How to say "shoes" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 靴くつnounThe default word for shoes and footwear generally; it also covers boots. Use it for everyday contexts such as putting on shoes, buying a pair, or shoes you wear out.
- nounA loanword meaning shoes, typical in contexts like sports, gym class, or casual fashion. It overlaps with 靴 but sounds more borrowed; for ordinary shoes 靴 is usually the word you want.
- 履物はきものnounA general term for things worn on the feet, so it includes not only shoes but also sandals and slippers. It suits formal or categorical talk about footwear rather than naming a specific pair of shoes.
Use 靴 for ordinary shoes, 「シューズ」 for sports or casual shoes, and 履物 when referring to footwear in general, including sandals and other types worn on the feet.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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