Translation guide
The English word 'clothing' refers to items worn on the body. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 服 (fuku). However, there are several other words that translate to 'clothing' depending on context, formality, and specific type. This guide helps learners choose the right word for everyday situations.
Referring to clothes in general, what someone is wearing, or clothes as a category.
The most common and versatile word for 'clothing'. Used in daily conversation for clothes in general.
新しい服を買った。
I bought new clothes.
その服、かわいいね。
Those clothes are cute.
A slightly more formal term for clothing, often used in written contexts, stores, or when referring to clothing as a category (e.g., laundry, donations).
衣類の寄付をお願いします。
Please donate clothing.
衣類を洗濯する。
Wash the clothing.
Literally 'things to wear'. Used in set phrases or when emphasizing the act of wearing. Less common in modern casual speech.
着る物に困ることはない。
I never lack for clothing.
Talking about the clothing business, fashion design, or formal classifications.
Refers to clothing as a product or commodity, often used in industry contexts (e.g., clothing store, clothing industry).
衣料品店で働いています。
I work at a clothing store.
衣料産業は大きな市場だ。
The clothing industry is a big market.
Loanword from English 'apparel', used in fashion and business contexts. Often seen in compound terms like アパレル業界 (apparel industry).
Specifically 'clothing goods' or 'clothing items', used in retail and commercial settings.
Specifically referring to traditional Japanese garments like kimono.
Japanese-style clothing, typically kimono. Used when contrasting with Western clothing.
和服を着る機会は少ない。
There are few opportunities to wear traditional Japanese clothing.
Literally 'thing to wear', but now almost exclusively means 'kimono'. Can be used broadly for traditional Japanese clothing.
Abstract discussions about clothing, such as in sociology or philosophy.
Formal term for clothing, often used in academic or official contexts. Can sound stiff in casual conversation.
衣服は人間の文化を反映する。
Clothing reflects human culture.
Archaic or literary term for clothing, often used in poetic or religious contexts. Not used in daily speech.
服 (fuku) is the default for everyday clothes. 衣類 (irui) is slightly more formal and often used in contexts like laundry or donations. 衣服 (ifuku) is formal and academic. In casual speech, stick with 服.
The English loanword クロージング (kuroojingu) means 'closing' (as in store closing) or 'closing ceremony', not 'clothing'. Avoid this false friend.
アパレル業界に就職したい。
I want to get a job in the apparel industry.
この店は衣料品を扱っている。
This store handles clothing items.
I wore my grandmother's kimono.
Wear a monk's robe.