Translation and Meaning of: 小売 - kouri

The Japanese word 小売 [こうり] is a common term in Japan's commercial and everyday vocabulary, but it often goes unnoticed by beginner students. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as understand how it fits into Japanese culture and economy. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese talk about retail or small business transactions, this is the right place to discover.

Meaning and use of 小売 [こうり]

Retail [こうり] means "retail", referring to the sale of products directly to the end consumer, usually in small quantities. Unlike wholesale (卸売り [おろしうり]), retail deals with smaller transactions, such as purchases in convenience stores, markets, or boutiques. This distinction is essential to understand the commercial dynamics in Japan, where the retail sector is highly organized and diversified.

In daily life, you might encounter 小売 in contexts such as "小売店 [こうりてん]" (retail store) or "小売価格 [こうりかかく]" (retail price). The term also frequently appears in economic news, as domestic consumption in Japan heavily relies on this type of commerce. If you are learning Japanese for business, memorizing this word is essential.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 小売 is composed of two kanji: 小 (small) and 売 (sell). Together, they form the concept of "selling on a small scale," which is exactly what retail represents. This composition is intuitive and helps with memorization, especially if you already know the basic radicals. The kanji 売, for example, appears in other words related to sales, such as 販売 [はんばい] (commercial sale).

It is worth noting that 小売 has no alternative readings or significant dialectal variations, remaining consistent throughout Japan. This makes it a stable word for study, without traps of pronunciation or writing. For those using apps like Suki Nihongo, it is easy to find examples of sentences and real contexts where this word appears.

The role of retail in Japanese culture

In Japan, retail is not just an economic activity, but also a reflection of the culture of service and attention to detail. Department stores, konbini (convenience stores), and small local shops follow strict standards of organization and customer service. The word 小売 is closely related to this system, which values efficiency and courtesy.

In addition, Japanese retail is known for its seasonal strategies, such as year-end sales (年末商戦 [ねんまつしょうせん]) or summer promotions. These events are widely publicized and are part of consumers' daily life. If you have already visited Japan, you probably noticed how even small shops invest in attractive displays and careful packaging – all of this is part of the world of 小売.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 販売 (Hanbai) - Sale; the act of selling.
• リテール (Riteeru) - Retail; selling products directly to the consumer.
• 小売り (Kouri) - Retail; similar to "リテール", but more focused on smaller transactions.