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On'yomi
バイ
BAI
Kun'yomi
か.う
kau

buy

Details

Strokes12
Frequency#520
Radicalshell(7)

Stroke Order

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Strokes12

Component Breakdown

=

net + shell

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of '网' (net) and '貝' (shell/money). Catching money with net - purchasing.

Symbolism

Purchase, consumption, choice. Symbolizes modern consumer society.

Words & Expressions

Proverbs & Idioms

安物買いの銭失い

やすものがいのぜにうしない

Buying cheap goods is losing money

Buy cheap, buy twice

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 買 mean in Japanese?

買 means buy.

How do you read 買?

On'yomi: バイ (BAI). Kun'yomi: か.う (kau).

How many strokes does 買 have?

買 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 貝 (shell).

Is 買 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 買 (buy) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

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