买

• 拼音: mǎi
• 汉字拆解: 买 = simplified form of 買; top component + 贝 (shell/money)

含义

To buy; to purchase. The basic verb for acquiring goods or services with money.

One of the most essential everyday verbs. Often confused with 卖 (mài, to sell) which has a different tone. Used in a wide range of shopping and transaction contexts.

例句

1. 我想买一本书。
2. 你在哪里买的？
3. 妈妈去超市买菜了。

用法指南

语境: shopping, everyday

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 我买了两个苹果。(I bought two apples.)
• 这个东西在哪里买的？(Where did you buy this?)

错误说法

• 我买了他一本书。(Ambiguous — this could mean 'I bought a book from him'; to say 'I bought him a book,' say 我给他买了一本书)

起源与历史

The simplified character 买 derives from the traditional 買, which depicted a net (罒) over a shell (贝, ancient currency), suggesting collecting goods with money.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal