Translation guide
Clothing worn in daily life, as opposed to formal wear, work uniforms, or special occasion outfits. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is 普段着 (fudangi), but other terms exist depending on nuance.
普段着
everyday clothes
Clothes you normally wear on a typical day, not for special events or work.
The most direct and common translation. Refers to clothes worn in everyday life, as opposed to formal attire or uniforms.
普段着で来てください。
Please come in your everyday clothes.
普段着は動きやすいものがいい。
For everyday clothes, it's best to wear something easy to move in.
Often used in contrast to a uniform, such as school uniform or work uniform. Implies one's own personal clothes.
明日は私服で登校してもいい日です。
Tomorrow is a day we can go to school in our own clothes.
私服の方が楽だ。
My own clothes are more comfortable.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'clothes I usually wear'. Useful when you want to be more explicit.
普段着ている服はほとんどユニクロです。
Most of the clothes I wear every day are from Uniqlo.
Formal or written term for everyday clothes, often used in invitations to mean 'no need to dress up'.
平服でお越しください。
Please come in casual attire.
Clothes that are relaxed and not dressy, suitable for informal occasions.
Borrowed from English 'casual'. Commonly used to describe informal, comfortable clothing.
今日はカジュアルな服で大丈夫ですか？
Is it okay to wear casual clothes today?
カジュアルな服が好きです。
I like casual clothes.
Means 'rough/relaxed appearance'. Often used for very informal, comfortable outfits.
休日はラフな格好で過ごす。
On my days off, I spend time in casual clothes.
Also works for casual clothes, as everyday clothes are usually casual.
Comfortable clothes worn only at home, like pajamas or sweats.
Clothes specifically for wearing at home. Not meant to be worn outside.
帰ったらすぐ部屋着に着替える。
As soon as I get home, I change into my loungewear.
新しい部屋着を買った。
I bought new loungewear.
Loanword from English 'room wear'. Often used in fashion contexts.
かわいいルームウェアが欲しい。
I want cute loungewear.
普段着 (fudangi) means everyday clothes in general, while 私服 (shifuku) specifically contrasts with a uniform. If you are a student talking about wearing your own clothes instead of a school uniform, 私服 is more natural. If you are just talking about what you wear on a normal day, use 普段着.
日常着 (nichijōgi) is a dictionary word for 'everyday clothes', but it is rarely used in natural conversation. Stick with 普段着.
Going to a party in everyday clothes is a bit...