How to say "sleeve" in Japanese

• そでJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe everyday word for the sleeve of a garment such as a shirt, coat, or dress. When you mean a sleeve of clothing, this is the word you want.
  父ちちは袖そでに長ながい裂け目さけめを作つくった。↗

  Father made a long tear in his sleeve.
• さやCommon
  nounUsually means a cap, case, or sheath covering something like a pen or brush; its 'sleeve' sense is marginal. It is seldom the word you want for a garment sleeve.

For the clothing sense of 'sleeve', use 「そで」; 「さや」 only matches 'sleeve' as a minor gloss and normally means a protective cap, case, or sheath for objects like pens or brushes.

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

• そでsleeve
• スリーブsleeve
• 袂たもとsleeve (esp. of a kimono)
• 衣手ころもでsleeve
• さやcap (on a brush, pen, etc.)