How to say "acquisition" in Japanese

• 獲得かくとくJLPT N1approx.Common
  suru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveThe most general of these: acquiring or gaining something, often as the result of effort, and the possession so gained. Typical of winning a prize or championship, or gaining votes or support.
  その子供達こどもたち２人ふたりが賞しょうを獲得かくとくした。↗

  Both of the children won a prize.
• 入手にゅうしゅJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCenters on the act of getting hold of something — obtaining or procuring it. Use it when you obtain something such as tickets, materials, or information.
  これらの品目ひんもくは入手にゅうしゅがかなり困難こんなんだ。↗

  These items are rather hard to obtain.
• 取得しゅとくCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbFor obtaining a qualification, a right, or an object, and for the acquisition of land or property — the word for gaining possession of such things.
  彼女かのじょは博士号はくしごうを取得しゅとくした。↗

  She received a doctor's degree.
• 買収ばいしゅうCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbChiefly the corporate sense: acquiring a company by buying it — a buy-out or takeover. Not the word to use for acquisition in general.
  ＧＥはレイク（株）かぶしきがいしゃを３０００万さんれいれいれいまんドルで買収ばいしゅうしたと発表はっぴょうした。↗

  GE announced the acquisition of the Lake company for $30 million.
• 習得しゅうとくCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbAcquisition of a skill or knowledge through learning; the natural choice when what is gained is a skill, as in mastering a language or technique.
  英語えいごを習得しゅうとくするのは容易よういではない。↗

  It is not easy to master English.

Choose 習得 for skills or knowledge, 取得 for qualifications, rights, or land and property, 買収 for corporate takeovers, 入手 for the act of getting hold of something, and 獲得 for gaining something in general.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 獲得かくとくacquisition
• 入手にゅうしゅacquisition
• 取得しゅとくobtaining (a qualification, right, object, etc.)
• 買収ばいしゅうacquisition (esp. corporate)
• 習得しゅうとくlearning
• アクイジションacquisition
• 得喪とくそうacquisition or forfeiture
• 収取しゅうしゅcollection