Translation guide
A sash worn with traditional Japanese clothing, especially kimono. The word is also used in martial arts for the belt indicating rank.
The wide sash worn with kimono or yukata
The standard word for the sash worn with kimono, yukata, and other traditional Japanese clothing.
She is wearing a beautiful obi.
浴衣に合う帯を選ぶ。
Choose an obi that matches the yukata.
The belt worn in martial arts like judo, karate, or aikido, often indicating rank
Used for the belt in martial arts. The color often indicates rank.
彼は黒帯を持っている。
He has a black belt.
柔道の帯の色で段位がわかる。
You can tell the rank by the color of the judo belt.
A wide belt or sash that is part of a garment, not necessarily traditional Japanese
Can refer to a sash or wide belt on Western clothing, though less common.
そのドレスには太い帯が付いている。
That dress has a wide sash.
In English, 'obi' specifically refers to the traditional Japanese sash. In Japanese, 帯 (obi) is used for both the kimono sash and martial arts belts, but not for a regular pants belt (that's ベルト).