スーパー

• Reading: スーパー
• Romaji: suupaa
• Pronunciation: /sɯː.paː/

Meaning

Supermarket. A large store selling food, household goods, and daily necessities.

A shortened loanword from English 'supermarket.' In everyday Japanese, スーパー alone is sufficient and スーパーマーケット is the full form used mainly in formal writing. Japanese supermarkets are central to daily life and typically offer fresh produce, bento boxes, and discounted items in the evening.

Examples

1. 駅の近くのスーパーで買い物をします。 I do my shopping at the supermarket near the station.
2. スーパーは夜十時まで開いています。 The supermarket is open until 10 PM.
3. スーパーで安い野菜を見つけました。 I found cheap vegetables at the supermarket.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, daily life, food, directions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'supermarket,' shortened to スーパー in Japanese. The abbreviation has been standard since supermarkets became widespread in Japan in the 1960s.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal