Translation guide
How to express 'putting on' in Japanese depends on what is being put on: clothes, accessories, makeup, or other items. Japanese uses different verbs for different objects and body parts.
To put on clothing items like shirts, pants, jackets, etc.
Used for putting on upper-body clothing or full-body garments like shirts, jackets, dresses, and coats.
毎朝、シャツを着る。
I put on a shirt every morning.
寒いからコートを着た。
I put on a coat because it was cold.
Used for putting on lower-body clothing like pants, trousers, skirts, and underwear.
ジーンズを履く。
I put on jeans.
Formal term for 'wearing' or 'putting on' clothing, often used in written instructions or official contexts.
式典では礼服を着用してください。
Please wear formal attire at the ceremony.
To put on items like hats, glasses, gloves, jewelry, etc.
Used for putting on items that go on the head, such as hats, caps, and wigs.
To apply cosmetics, lotion, or sunscreen.
Used for applying creams, lotions, sunscreen, or liquid foundation.
To put on shoes, socks, or stockings.
Used for putting on shoes, socks, stockings, and other footwear.
To put on a belt, obi, or similar item.
Used for fastening belts, obi sashes, or ties.
To put on a backpack, shoulder bag, or similar item.
These three verbs are the most common for clothing but are not interchangeable. 着る (kiru) is for upper body or full-body garments, 履く (haku) is for lower body and footwear, and かぶる (kaburu) is for items on the head. Using the wrong verb can sound unnatural.
English 'put on' covers many actions, but Japanese requires specific verbs. Using 着る for shoes or hats is incorrect. Learn the object-verb pairs.
スカートを履いて出かけた。
I put on a skirt and went out.
帽子をかぶる。
I put on a hat.
ヘルメットをかぶってください。
Please put on a helmet.
Used for attaching or putting on accessories like earrings, necklaces, brooches, or masks. Also used for makeup and perfume.
イヤリングをつける。
I put on earrings.
マスクをつける。
I put on a mask.
Used for putting on items that fit snugly, like rings, gloves, or watches.
Used for putting on glasses or sunglasses.
眼鏡をかける。
I put on glasses.
Used for putting on scarves or wrapping items around the neck or body.
マフラーを巻く。
I put on a scarf.
日焼け止めを塗る。
I put on sunscreen.
ファンデーションを塗る。
I put on foundation.
Used for applying makeup products like lipstick, blush, or powder. Also used for perfume.
Used specifically for drawing eyeliner or eyebrows.
アイラインを引く。
I put on eyeliner.
靴を履く。
I put on shoes.
靴下を履く。
I put on socks.
Used for putting on a backpack or carrying something on one's back.
リュックを背負う。
I put on a backpack.
Used for putting on a shoulder bag or hanging something over the shoulder.
バッグを肩にかける。
I put a bag on my shoulder.