Translation guide
An undershirt is a garment worn under other clothing, typically next to the skin. In Japanese, the word depends on the style and context.
A lightweight, short-sleeved undershirt, often cotton, worn by both men and women.
General term for underwear or undergarments, including undershirts. Often used for basic cotton undershirts.
寒いので肌着を着た。
I wore an undershirt because it was cold.
Loanword from English, specifically means 'undershirt'. Common in fashion contexts.
白いアンダーシャツを買った。
I bought a white undershirt.
General term for underwear, can include undershirts but is broader (includes underpants, etc.).
旅行用の下着を詰めた。
I packed underwear for the trip.
A sleeveless undershirt, often worn by men, sometimes called a tank top or A-shirt.
Loanword for 'tank top'. Can be worn as an undershirt or as outerwear in casual settings.
夏はタンクトップを肌着にしている。
In summer, I use a tank top as an undershirt.
Literally 'sleeveless undershirt'. Descriptive but less common in everyday speech.
袖なし肌着が欲しい。
I want a sleeveless undershirt.
A long-sleeved undershirt worn for warmth, often in cold weather.
Standard term for a long-sleeved undershirt.
冬は長袖肌着が欠かせない。
A long-sleeved undershirt is essential in winter.
Brand name (Uniqlo) often used generically for thermal undershirts. Very common in Japan.
ヒートテックを着ると暖かい。
It's warm when you wear a Heattech undershirt.
Literally 'heat-retaining undershirt'. Used in product descriptions.
保温肌着を探しています。
I'm looking for a thermal undershirt.
An undershirt worn specifically under a dress shirt, often to absorb sweat.
Same general term, but context makes it clear. Often a V-neck or crew neck cotton undershirt.
スーツの下には肌着を着ます。
I wear an undershirt under my suit.
肌着 (hadagi) specifically refers to undergarments worn on the upper body, like undershirts. 下着 (shitagi) is a broader term for all underwear, including underpants. アンダーシャツ (andaashatsu) is a direct loanword for 'undershirt' and is commonly used in fashion and retail.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use brand names like ヒートテック (Heattech) or エアリズム (Airism) to refer to specific types of undershirts. This is perfectly natural.
新しい肌着を買わないと。
I need to buy some new undershirts.
彼は肌着だけを着ていた。
He was wearing only an undershirt.
Specifically a sleeveless undershirt, often ribbed cotton. Common term for men's A-shirts.
父はいつもランニングシャツを着ている。
My father always wears a sleeveless undershirt.
Also used for dress shirt undershirts, especially in fashion contexts.
ワイシャツの下にアンダーシャツを着る。
I wear an undershirt under my dress shirt.