Translation guide
In Japanese, 'seatbelt' is most commonly expressed as シートベルト (shītoberuto), a loanword from English. There is also a native Japanese term 座席ベルト (zaseki beruto), but it is less common. This guide covers how to talk about seatbelts, including fastening, wearing, and related safety phrases.
シートベルト
seatbelt
シートベルトを締めてください
fasten your seatbelt
Referring to the seatbelt itself, as an object.
The most common and natural word for 'seatbelt' in Japanese. Used in everyday conversation, signs, and announcements.
シートベルトを締めてください。
Please fasten your seatbelt.
シートベルトを着用してください。
Please wear your seatbelt.
A less common, more formal term. Sometimes seen in written instructions or technical contexts.
座席ベルトを着用のこと。
Wear your seatbelt.
Expressing the action of fastening or putting on a seatbelt.
The most common way to say 'fasten a seatbelt'. 締める means to tighten or fasten.
車に乗ったら、すぐにシートベルトを締めてね。
Fasten your seatbelt as soon as you get in the car.
A more general way to say 'put on a seatbelt'. する is a versatile verb meaning 'to do', but here it implies wearing or putting on.
後ろの席でもシートベルトをしなきゃだめだよ。
You have to wear your seatbelt even in the back seat.
A formal expression meaning 'to wear a seatbelt'. Often used in official announcements or written warnings.
高速道路では、後部座席でもシートベルトの着用が義務付けられています。
On expressways, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory even in the back seat.
Expressing the action of unfastening or taking off a seatbelt.
The most common way to say 'unfasten a seatbelt'. 外す means to remove or take off.
車を降りる前にシートベルトを外してください。
Please unfasten your seatbelt before getting out of the car.
Also means 'to take off a seatbelt', but 取る is more general (to take). Less specific than 外す.
シートベルトを取ってもいいですか？
Can I take off my seatbelt?
Describing the state of wearing a seatbelt.
The most natural way to say 'is wearing a seatbelt'. Uses している to indicate the state resulting from putting it on.
彼はちゃんとシートベルトをしている。
He is properly wearing his seatbelt.
Emphasizes that the seatbelt is fastened (tightened). Slightly more specific than している.
全員シートベルトを締めているか確認してください。
Please check that everyone has their seatbelt fastened.
Referring to the seatbelt warning light or sign in a vehicle.
The seatbelt warning light on the dashboard.
シートベルト警告灯がついている。
The seatbelt warning light is on.
The 'fasten seatbelt' sign, especially on airplanes.
シートベルト着用サインが消えました。
The fasten seatbelt sign has been turned off.
When asking someone to fasten their seatbelt, use 締めてください (shimete kudasai) or the more formal お締めください (o-shime kudasai). In casual speech, 締めて (shimete) is fine.
Avoid saying シートベルトを着る (kiru, to wear clothes). Use 着用する (chakuyō suru) for formal 'wear', or する/締める for everyday speech.
シートベルトがちゃんと締まっているか確認してください。
Make sure your seatbelt is fastened.