Translation guide
The English word "suit" has several distinct meanings: a set of clothes, a legal action, a set of playing cards, and the verb meaning to be appropriate or convenient. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A set of matching jacket and trousers or skirt, typically formal.
The most common and general word for a business suit or formal suit. It is a loanword from English and widely used.
彼は新しいスーツを着ている。
He is wearing a new suit.
面接にはスーツを着て行きます。
I will wear a suit to the interview.
A traditional Japanese word for a business suit, typically for men. It is slightly old-fashioned but still understood.
Refers to a matching set, often used for women's suits or coordinated outfits.
このスーツセットはオフィスにぴったりです。
This suit set is perfect for the office.
A lawsuit or legal case.
The standard term for a lawsuit or legal action. Used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は会社に対して訴訟を起こした。
He filed a suit against the company.
その訴訟は長引いている。
The lawsuit is dragging on.
Means trial or court case. It can be used more broadly than 訴訟, but often implies the court proceedings.
Specifically means to file a criminal complaint or accuse someone. It is a legal term for initiating a criminal suit.
被害者は犯人を告訴した。
The victim filed a suit against the perpetrator.
One of the four sets in a deck of cards (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades).
The direct loanword for the suit in playing cards. Commonly used in card games.
トランプのスートは四つあります。
There are four suits in a deck of cards.
ハートのスートを集めてください。
Please collect the suit of hearts.
Sometimes used colloquially to refer to the suit symbol, though スート is more precise.
このカードのマークは何？
What is the suit of this card?
To be suitable, convenient, or acceptable for someone or something.
Means to fit, match, or suit. Used for clothes, schedules, personalities, etc. Very common and versatile.
この服は私に合いますか？
Does this outfit suit me?
明日の午後なら都合が合います。
Tomorrow afternoon suits me.
Specifically means to look good on someone, to suit one's appearance. Often used for clothes, hairstyles, etc.
Means to be suitable or appropriate for a purpose or condition. More formal than 合う.
Means convenient or suitable, often for schedules or circumstances. Very common in daily conversation.
金曜日は都合がいいですか？
Does Friday suit you?
もし都合がよければ、一緒に来てください。
If it suits you, please come with us.
Means to like or be pleased with something. It can be used when something suits one's taste or preference.
The English word "suit" can mean both clothing and legal action, but in Japanese, スーツ only refers to the clothing. For a lawsuit, use 訴訟 or 裁判.
合う is general 'to fit/match/suit'. 似合う is specifically about appearance (looking good). 適する is formal and about suitability for a purpose.
そのスーツは高そうだ。
That suit looks expensive.
彼は政府に対して訴訟を起こした。
He filed a suit against the government.
何時が都合がいいですか？
What time suits you?
My father wears a suit to work.
彼は裁判に勝った。
He won the suit.
That hat really suits you.
この土地は農業に適している。
This land is suited for agriculture.
この色が気に入った。
This color suits my taste.