How to say "clothes" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 服ふくnoun, noun (suffix)The everyday word for clothes, especially Western-style clothing; the default choice in ordinary conversation about getting dressed, doing laundry, or buying clothes.
- 衣ころもnounA literary word for a garment or clothes; seldom the everyday choice, since 服 is what people normally say. Met mainly in writing, set phrases, and traditional or religious dress.
- 衣類いるいnounA collective term for clothes as a category of items rather than a single garment; natural when talking about laundry, packing, or clothing in general, with a slightly formal feel.
- 衣服いふくnounA formal word for clothing as a general concept, typical of written language, official rules, and technical discussion rather than casual conversation; in speech, 服 is the usual word.
- 服装ふくそうnounRefers to a person's attire — how they are dressed for an occasion — rather than clothes as objects; the natural choice for commenting on whether someone's dress suits an event or is appropriate.
Use 服 for clothes in everyday speech; 衣類 for clothes as a category of items; 衣服 in formal written language; 服装 for how someone is dressed; 衣 is literary and rarely the everyday choice.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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