2 Japanese words read kau
kau (かう) is shared by 2 distinct words, each with its own kanji and meaning. Jump to: 買う · 飼う.
買う
かうTo buy, to purchase
N5verb·kau
How to remember it
Sounds like 'cow' — buying a cow at the market.
Example sentences
りんごを買います。
りんごをかいます。
I'll buy some apples.
何を買いましたか。
なにをかいましたか。
What did you buy?
Usage
Godan う-verb; takes a direct object with を (thing being bought).
Related words
買い物売るお金店
飼う
かうTo keep, to raise (a pet), to own
N3verb·kau
How to remember it
Think of "cow"—you keep and raise animals like a cow at home.
Example sentences
犬を二匹飼っています。
いぬをにひきかっています。
I keep two dogs.
ペットを飼うのは大変だ。
ぺっとをかうのはたいへんだ。
Keeping a pet is hard work.
Usage
Godan verb; specifically for keeping animals, not raising children.
Related words
飼い主飼い犬飼育育てる