Translation guide
A topcoat is an overcoat worn over other clothing for warmth or style. In Japanese, the most common word is コート, but more specific terms exist depending on formality and style.
A warm or stylish coat worn over other clothes, typically in cold weather.
The most common and versatile word for any kind of coat or overcoat. Safe to use in most situations.
寒いからコートを着て行きなさい。
It's cold, so put on a coat.
このコートはとても暖かい。
This coat is very warm.
A more formal or literary term for an overcoat. Often used in written language or formal contexts.
彼は黒い外套を着ていた。
He was wearing a black overcoat.
A long, formal overcoat often worn with business attire or suits.
Specifically refers to a formal overcoat, often longer and heavier than a casual coat. Common in business settings.
スーツの上にオーバーコートを羽織った。
I put on an overcoat over my suit.
A classic, formal overcoat with a velvet collar, often single-breasted.
Refers specifically to the Chesterfield style topcoat. Used mainly in fashion or when describing a particular coat.
彼のチェスターフィールドコートは上品な印象を与える。
His Chesterfield coat gives an elegant impression.
コート is the everyday word for any coat. 外套 is formal/literary and less common in speech. オーバーコート specifically means a formal overcoat, often worn over a suit.
コートを買いに行く。
I'm going to buy a coat.
外套を脱いでハンガーにかけた。
I took off my overcoat and hung it on a hanger.
In English, 'topcoat' can specifically mean an overcoat, but in Japanese, コート covers all types of coats (including jackets). If you need to specify an overcoat, use オーバーコート or describe it as スーツの上に着るコート (a coat worn over a suit).
彼はスーツの上にオーバーコートを着ていた。
He wore a topcoat over his suit.
冬用のコートを新しく買わないと。
I need a new topcoat for winter.
A loanword from English, sometimes used in fashion contexts to mean a lightweight topcoat. Less common than オーバーコート.
春先には薄手のトップコートが便利だ。
A light topcoat is useful in early spring.