Translation guide
The English verb "wear" covers clothing, accessories, and even facial expressions. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is worn and where on the body. This guide organizes the most common and useful ways to express "wear" in natural Japanese.
Express wearing shirts, jackets, dresses, coats, etc.
The most common verb for wearing items on the upper body or full-body garments like dresses and coats.
I'm wearing a blue shirt today.
彼女は赤いドレスを着ていた。
She was wearing a red dress.
Express wearing pants, skirts, shorts, etc.
Used for garments that you step into, such as pants, skirts, and shorts.
彼はジーンズを履いている。
He is wearing jeans.
そのスカートを履いてみてもいいですか？
May I try on that skirt?
Express wearing shoes, socks, slippers, etc.
Also used for footwear, including shoes, boots, sandals, and socks.
新しい靴を履いて出かけよう。
Let's go out wearing the new shoes.
家ではスリッパを履いています。
I wear slippers at home.
Express wearing hats, caps, wigs, etc.
Used for items placed on the head, like hats, caps, and helmets.
外では帽子をかぶってください。
Please wear a hat outside.
彼はいつもニット帽をかぶっている。
He always wears a beanie.
Express wearing glasses, sunglasses, etc.
Used for glasses and sunglasses. Often used in the progressive form かけている.
彼女は眼鏡をかけている。
She wears glasses.
サングラスをかけた男が立っていた。
A man wearing sunglasses was standing there.
Express wearing necklaces, earrings, watches, belts, etc.
General verb for attaching or putting on accessories. Also used for makeup and perfume.
今日はピアスをつけている。
I'm wearing earrings today.
彼はいつも腕時計をつけている。
He always wears a wristwatch.
Common for smaller accessories like necklaces, earrings, and rings. Often interchangeable with つける.
ネックレスをしている。
I'm wearing a necklace.
Express wearing a smile, frown, etc.
Literally 'to float an expression', used for wearing a smile or look on one's face.
彼女は微笑みを浮かべた。
She wore a smile.
To make a certain face, like a sad face.
彼は悲しそうな顔をしていた。
He wore a sad expression.
These three verbs are the most common for clothing. Remember: 着る (upper body/full body), 履く (lower body/feet), かぶる (head). Using the wrong one sounds unnatural.
シャツを着る、ズボンを履く、帽子をかぶる
wear a shirt, wear pants, wear a hat
English 'wear' is broad, but Japanese requires the correct verb. Saying 靴を着る is incorrect; use 履く.
To describe what someone is currently wearing, use the ている form: 着ている, 履いている, かぶっている, etc.
パーティーには何を着ていく？
What are you wearing to the party?
彼女はいつも黒い服を着ている。
She always wears black.
彼女は結婚指輪をしている。
She is wearing a wedding ring.