スーパー

すーぱー
noun
supermarket
1. supermarket
A self-service store selling food and household items. Short for スーパーマーケット.
I bought vegetables at the supermarket.
This supermarket is open until 10 PM.
The supermarket is next to the station.
You have to go early on supermarket sale days because there are many people.
Bento boxes get cheaper at the supermarket before closing time.

スーパー is the common abbreviation of スーパーマーケット (supermarket). The full form is rarely used in conversation.

CULTURAL NOTE:
Japanese supermarkets often discount prepared foods (弁当(べんとう), 惣菜(そうざい)) in the evening before closing, typically marked with 割引(わりびき) stickers showing 20-50% off.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • スーパーに()く: to go to the supermarket
  • スーパーで()(もの)をする: to shop at the supermarket
  • 駅前(えきまえ)のスーパー: the supermarket near the station
  • スーパーの特売(とくばい): supermarket sale

RELATED WORDS:

  • コンビニ: convenience store
  • デパート: department store
  • 商店街(しょうてんがい): shopping street
  • 八百屋(やおや): greengrocer