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买

mǎi

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Mandarin pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer

pinyin
mǎi
simplified
买
traditional
買

1 · verb

To obtain something by paying for it.

付钱获得某物。

The past tense is bought; distinguish 买 mǎi from 卖 mài.

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I want to buy a small notebook.

English pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)

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我想买一本小笔记本。

Mandarin pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)

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Learn 买 with its example phrase. Mandarin citation form: mǎi.

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2 · verb

To obtain an item by paying money for it.

付钱取得物品。

Distinguish 买 mǎi from 卖 mài. 买了 describes a purchase, while 想买 expresses an intention.

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I bought two postcards, one to send to a friend and one to keep.

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我买了两张明信片,一张寄给朋友,一张自己留着。

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Although this coat is inexpensive, I do not plan to buy it.

English pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer

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这件外套虽然便宜,但我不打算买。

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Mandarin reading: mǎi.

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Related senses in the other language

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buy — To obtain something by paying for it.