Translation and Meaning of: 売れる - ureru

The Japanese word 売れる (うれる, ureru) is an essential verb for anyone wanting to understand the commercial daily life and even the culture of consumption in Japan. Its main meaning is "to sell" or "to sell well," but there are interesting nuances worth exploring. In this article, we will uncover everything from the origin and writing of the term to its practical use in everyday sentences, all based on reliable sources and recognized dictionaries such as Jisho.org and Kanjipedia.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese talk about successful products in the market or how to effectively memorize this verb, you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, we prioritize clear and useful explanations for Japanese learners. Let's dive into the details of 売れる, including curiosities about its kanji and even examples of how it appears in real contexts.

Meaning and usage of 売れる

The verb 売れる has two main meanings that are often used in Japan. The first is the ive sense of "to be sold," as in "the book sold 10,000 copies." The second meaning, more colloquial, indicates that something "sells well" or "is popular in the market." For example, when a new smartphone is in high demand, the Japanese say that it "ureru."

An important characteristic is that 売れる does not require an explicit agent. Unlike the active verb 売る (to sell), it focuses on the product or service itself, not on who is making the sale. This subtlety is crucial for using the word correctly in conversations or formal texts. In the world of Japanese business, understanding this distinction can prevent misunderstandings.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 売 (read as "u" or "bai") is the heart of this word and has an interesting history. It is composed of the radical 士 (samurai) and 冏 (brightness), suggesting the idea of "exposing something to light to sell." Sources like 漢字源 explain that this combination symbolized in ancient times the exhibition of goods in well-lit places to attract buyers.

When combined with the okurigana れる, the verb takes on its ive/potential form. It is worth noting that 売れる is one of the few verbs in Japanese where the potential form (can be sold) coincides with the ive meaning (to be sold). This duality makes the term especially useful, but also requires attention to avoid confusing the contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using 売れる

To fix 売れる in your memory, an effective strategy is to associate the kanji 売 with market situations. Imagine a samurai (士) selling swords under the sunlight (冏) - this bizarre image can help both the writing and the meaning. Another tip is to practice with minimal pairs such as 売る (to sell actively) versus 売れる (to be sold), noting how the simple addition of れる completely changes the perspective.

According to word frequency research from the National Institute of the Japanese Language, 売れる appears among the 3,000 most used in daily life, especially in economic news and conversations about consumption. It's not as common as basic verbs, but mastering it is essential for those who want to read Japanese newspapers or understand discussions about market trends.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 売れる

• 売れる - dictionary form
• 売れます - Polished form
• 売れない - Negative
• 売れました - simple past
• 売れませんでした - Negative past

Synonyms and similar words

• 売れる (Ureru) - be marketable; have sales ability
• 売れます (Uremasu) - polite form of the verb "to sell"; indicates that something can be sold
• 売れやすい (Ureyasui) - easy to sell; that has good market acceptance
• 売れ筋 (Uresuji) - popular items or those that are selling well
• 売れ行きがいい (Ureiki ga ii) - sales are getting good; selling well
• 売れっ子 (Urekko) - a person who is succeeding in sales; a successful salesperson
• 売れる見込みがある (Ureru mikomi ga aru) - sales perspective; sales expectation
• 売れる可能性がある (Ureru kanousei ga aru) - possibility of sale; chance of being sold
• 売れるチャンスがある (Ureru chansu ga aru) - sales opportunity
• 売れる商品 (Ureru shouhin) - product that can be sold; items with sales potential
• 売れる価値がある (Ureru kachi ga aru) - there is a selling price; intrinsic value that allows for the sale
• 売れるポイント (Ureru pointo) - selling points; features that attract buyers
• 売れる戦略 (Ureru senryaku) - sales strategies; methods to maximize sales
• 売れる方法 (Ureru houhou) - sales channels; effective methods for sales
• 売れるコツ (Ureru kotsu) - tips for selling; suggestions to improve sales