1.
to buy up; to corner the market; to hoard
To purchase all or most of a particular product, either to monopolize supply or out of panic. Often used negatively to describe hoarding behavior during shortages or speculative buying.
マスクが買い占められた。
Masks were bought up completely.
転売目的で限定品を買い占める人がいる。
There are people who buy up limited-edition items to resell them.
災害の前に水や食料を買い占めるのはやめてほしい。
I wish people would stop hoarding water and food before disasters.
USAGE:
買い占める carries a negative connotation, implying selfish or excessive purchasing that deprives others of access. It became especially common during pandemic-related shortages.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ～を買い占める (to buy up ~)
- 買い占め (名詞 form — hoarding, buying up)
- 買い占め行為 (hoarding behavior)
SIMILAR WORDS:
まとめ買い (buying in bulk) is neutral — simply purchasing a large quantity. 買い占める implies buying everything available, leaving none for others. 買いだめ (stockpiling) implies buying extra for personal reserves.