Translation guide
Japanese words for underclothes, underwear, and undergarments, with notes on usage, formality, and common expressions.
The speaker wants to refer to underwear in a general, everyday sense.
The most common and neutral word for underwear. Can refer to both men's and women's undergarments.
新しい下着を買った。
I bought new underwear.
下着の引き出しを整理した。
I organized my underwear drawer.
Refers specifically to undergarments worn directly against the skin, like undershirts or long underwear. Often used for thermal or sweat-absorbing innerwear.
冬は肌着を重ね着する。
In winter, I layer thermal underwear.
Loanword from English, used in fashion or retail contexts. Sounds more stylish or technical.
このブランドのアンダーウェアは人気がある。
This brand's underwear is popular.
The speaker wants to refer specifically to women's undergarments, often with a sense of fashion or delicacy.
Loanword from French, used for women's lingerie. Implies fashionable or delicate items.
彼女にランジェリーをプレゼントした。
I gave her lingerie as a present.
Literally 'women's underwear'. A straightforward, neutral term.
女性用下着の売り場はどこですか？
Where is the women's underwear section?
The speaker wants to refer specifically to men's undergarments.
Literally 'men's underwear'. Neutral and clear.
父の日に男性用下着を贈った。
I gave men's underwear for Father's Day.
Refers to boxer shorts, a common type of men's underwear.
トランクスよりボクサーパンツの方が好きだ。
I prefer boxer briefs over boxer shorts.
The speaker wants to refer to an undershirt or a garment worn under outer clothes for warmth or sweat absorption.
As above, but here emphasizing its role as an undershirt. Often used for cotton or thermal innerwear.
汗をかくので、肌着を着替えた。
I sweated, so I changed my undershirt.
The speaker wants to refer specifically to lower undergarments.
Common word for underpants, panties, or briefs. Can be used for both men and women, but context matters. In casual speech, it often means underpants, but can also mean trousers in some contexts (especially men's).
Be aware that パンツ can also mean 'trousers' or 'pants' in certain contexts, especially in men's fashion. For underwear, it's usually clear from context.
パンツをはき替える。
I change my underpants.
Refers specifically to women's panties or shorts-style underwear. Often used in fashion or retail.
The word パンツ can mean either 'underpants' or 'trousers/pants' depending on context. In women's speech, it almost always means underpants. In men's speech, it can mean trousers, especially in fashion contexts. To avoid confusion, use 下着 (したぎ) for underwear or specify with ズボン for trousers.
このパンツ、かわいいね。
These panties are cute, aren't they? (likely women's speech)
新しいパンツを買った。
I bought new trousers. (likely men's speech)
下着 (したぎ) is the general term for underwear, including both tops and bottoms. 肌着 (はだぎ) specifically refers to garments worn directly on the skin, often for warmth or sweat absorption, like undershirts or long johns. 肌着 is a subset of 下着.
下着売り場で肌着を探した。
I looked for undershirts in the underwear section.
Loanword for 'undershirt'. Common in casual speech.
ユニクロでアンダーシャツを買った。
I bought an undershirt at Uniqlo.
Lace panties were on sale.