Translation guide
The English word 'bra' refers to a woman's undergarment for supporting the breasts. In Japanese, the most common and natural term is the loanword ブラ (bura), short for ブラジャー (burajā). There are also native Japanese terms, but they are less common in everyday speech.
Referring to a bra in everyday conversation, shopping, or general contexts.
The most common and natural word for 'bra' in Japanese. It is a shortening of ブラジャー and is used in casual and neutral contexts.
I bought a new bra.
このブラ、サイズが合わない。
This bra doesn't fit.
The full loanword for 'brassiere'. Slightly more formal or explicit than ブラ, but still common. Often used in product descriptions or when clarity is needed.
ブラジャーのサイズを測ってもらった。
I had my bra size measured.
A very literal and old-fashioned native Japanese term meaning 'breast presser'. Rarely used today; may appear in historical contexts or as a euphemism.
昔は乳押さえを使っていた。
In the old days, they used breast binders.
Specifically referring to a bra designed for sports or exercise.
The standard term for a sports bra. Combines the loanword スポーツ (sports) with ブラ.
ジム用にスポーツブラを買った。
I bought a sports bra for the gym.
Talking about the cup size of a bra.
The word for 'cup' in the context of bra sizes. Used with letters (A, B, C, etc.) to indicate size.
私はCカップです。
I'm a C cup.
このブラはDカップまであります。
This bra goes up to a D cup.
In everyday conversation, ブラ is perfectly natural and widely used. ブラジャー is slightly more formal and often appears in written contexts like product labels or advertisements. Both are understood, but ブラ is the default in speech.
新しいブラを買わなきゃ。
I need to buy a new bra.
彼女はブラを着けるのを忘れた。
She forgot to wear a bra.