Translation guide
The English phrase 'tailor-made' can refer to custom-made clothing or, more broadly, to something perfectly suited to a specific person or purpose. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings.
Describing clothing that is made to an individual's measurements, as opposed to off-the-rack.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'tailor-made' in the context of clothing. It is a loanword from English 'order-made' and is widely understood.
彼はオーダーメイドのスーツを着ている。
He is wearing a tailor-made suit.
A more traditional Japanese term for custom-made, often used for clothing or items made to order. It carries a slightly formal or refined nuance.
Describing something (a plan, solution, product, etc.) that is ideally matched to someone's needs or characteristics.
A very common and natural way to say something is 'perfectly suited' or 'just right'. It can be used for a wide range of situations.
この仕事は彼にぴったりだ。
This job is tailor-made for him.
Means 'ideal' or 'perfectly suited'. It emphasizes that something is exactly right for a particular person or situation.
I ordered a tailor-made kimono.
Refers to tailoring or dressmaking. When used as '仕立ての', it can mean 'tailor-made', but it is less common as a standalone adjective and often appears in compounds like '注文仕立て' (custom tailoring).
これは注文仕立てのドレスです。
This is a tailor-made dress.
彼女はその役にうってつけだ。
She is tailor-made for the role.
The loanword is also used metaphorically for non-clothing contexts, such as a 'tailor-made solution' or 'tailor-made plan'.
オーダーメイドの旅行プランを提案します。
We propose a tailor-made travel plan.
Means 'specially ordered' or 'custom-made'. It is often used for products or items made to specific requirements, but can be extended metaphorically.
これは特注のソフトウェアです。
This is tailor-made software.