怒りを買う

• Reading: いかりをかう
• Romaji: ikari wo kau
• Kanji breakdown: 怒 (do/ika) — anger, rage; 買 (bai/ka) — buy, purchase
• Pronunciation: /i.ka.ɾi.o.ka.ɯ/

Meaning

To rouse anger; to provoke wrath; to incur someone's displeasure. Actions that invite hostility from others.

An idiomatic expression using Group 1 (godan) verb 買う (to buy). The metaphor of buying anger suggests that one's actions have purchased or earned the wrath of others. Commonly used in news reporting and formal discussions about public backlash or interpersonal conflict.

Examples

1. 無責任な発言が国民の怒りを買った。 The irresponsible remarks provoked the public's anger.
2. 上司の怒りを買わないように注意している。 I'm careful not to provoke my boss's anger.
3. その政策は多くの市民の怒りを買うことになった。 That policy ended up incurring the anger of many citizens.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, workplace

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Uses 買う in its extended meaning of inviting or incurring something unwanted, similar to 恨みを買う (to incur resentment). The metaphor treats anger as a commodity that one acquires through their own actions.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal