Japanese word

選ぶ

Pronunciation

Romajierabu

Meaning

  • verbchoose

Example

これを選びます。ko re o era bi ma su

I choose this.

Illustration for 選ぶ (choose)

More examples

どの本を選びますか？do no hon o era bi ma su ka

Which book do you choose?

店員に相談して、誕生日のプレゼントを選びました。ten in ni sō dan shi te tan jō hi no pu re ze n to o era bi ma shi ta

I consulted the store clerk and chose a birthday gift.

Core concept

It involves comparing available options and settling on the one that seems suitable.

Common phrases

  • 正しい答えを選ぶtada shi i kota e o era bu

    choose the correct answer

  • 二つの中から選ぶfuta tsu no naka ka ra era bu

    choose from two options

  • 色を選ぶiro o era bu

    choose a color

Similar words

決めるkimeru: To make a final choice or reach a decision.

Definition in Japanese

いくつかの中から、目的や好みに合うものを一つ取り出す。i ku tsu ka no naka ka ra moku teki ya kono mi ni a u mo no o hito tsu to ri da su

Word origin

選ぶ (erabu) is a native Japanese verb, and the kanji 選 (sen, "select") represents its meaning rather than its sound; the verb's older word formation is not certain.

Usage tips

  • In shopping conversations, 選ぶ (erabu) describes deciding among items, while 買う (kau) describes the later act of purchasing one.

Other meanings

  • pickverb

Related words

  • 選び方erabikataway of choosingnoun
  • 選びやすいerabiyasuieasy to choosei-adjective

Word lists with this word