How to say "obi" in Japanese

• 帯おびJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe common word for the obi, the sash worn round the waist over a kimono. This is the word you want whenever 'obi' refers to the kimono sash.
  彼女かのじょの着物きものと帯おびの取り合とりあわせはおつだね。↗

  Her kimono and obi combination is smart, isn't it?
• 三尺帯さんじゃくおび
  nounA less common word, literally a 'three-shaku' (about 90 cm) sash. It really denotes a simple cloth waistband or girdle, and is seldom the word you want for the kimono sash — use 帯.

For the kimono sash use 帯, the common word; 三尺帯, a less common word, is really a simple cloth waistband or girdle and is seldom the word you want for an obi.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 帯おびobi (kimono sash)
• 三尺帯さんじゃくおびwaistband
• たすきobi (strip of paper looped around a book, CD, etc. containing information about the product)