Translation guide
The English word 'shoes' refers to footwear. In Japanese, the most common and general word is 靴 (くつ). However, Japanese has many specific terms for different types of shoes, and the way you talk about shoes depends on context, such as entering a house or referring to footwear in formal situations.
The most common, everyday word for shoes of any kind.
This is the standard, all-purpose word for shoes. It covers most types of footwear, from sneakers to dress shoes.
新しい靴を買いました。
I bought new shoes.
靴を履いてください。
Please put on your shoes.
When you need to specify the kind of shoes, Japanese uses compound words or loanwords.
Loanword for sneakers or athletic shoes. Very common in casual contexts.
このスニーカーは履きやすいです。
These sneakers are comfortable.
Leather shoes, typically dress shoes. Used for formal or business settings.
High heels. Loanword from English.
Sandals. Loanword.
Boots. Loanword.
冬はブーツが暖かいです。
Boots are warm in winter.
Athletic shoes, gym shoes. More formal or specific than スニーカー, often used in school contexts.
Indoor shoes, typically used in schools or some traditional settings. Not worn outside.
Japanese culture has specific customs about removing shoes indoors. These verbs are essential.
To take off shoes. Used when entering a house, temple, or certain restaurants.
家に入る前に靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes before entering the house.
To put on shoes. The verb 履く is used specifically for footwear and lower-body clothing.
靴を履いて外に出ます。
I put on my shoes and go outside.
Common expressions for wearing, choosing, or dealing with shoes.
The shoes don't fit well or are uncomfortable. Literally 'shoes don't match'.
この靴はちょっと合わない。
These shoes are a bit uncomfortable.
To change shoes, e.g., from outdoor to indoor shoes.
玄関で靴を履き替えます。
I change my shoes at the entrance.
To tie shoelaces.
靴ひもを結んでください。
Please tie your shoelaces.
In very polite or service contexts, honorific forms may be used.
Honorific prefix お added to 靴. Used when referring to someone else's shoes politely, e.g., in a shop or hotel.
お靴をお預かりいたします。
I will take care of your shoes. (e.g., at a cloakroom)
靴 (くつ) specifically means shoes that cover the foot and are worn outdoors. For slippers, use スリッパ; for traditional Japanese sandals, use 草履 (ぞうり) or 下駄 (げた); for socks, use 靴下 (くつした).
Use 履く (はく) for putting on shoes, socks, and pants/skirts. Do not use 着る (きる), which is for upper-body clothing. Saying 靴を着る is incorrect.
明日は革靴を履いて行きます。
I'll wear leather shoes tomorrow.
彼女はハイヒールを履いています。
She is wearing high heels.
I wear sandals in the summer.
体育の時間は運動靴が必要です。
You need gym shoes for PE class.
学校では上履きに履き替えます。
At school, we change into indoor shoes.