How to say "suit" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounRefers to the garment itself, a matched jacket with trousers or skirt; this is the word you want when 'suit' means the piece of clothing.
- 似合うにあうgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'suit' in the sense of looking good on someone: a color, style, or accessory that flatters a person's appearance. Typical of compliments about clothes or hair.
- 適するてきするsuru verb (irregular), intransitive verbCovers 'suit' as in 'suited to': being fit for a purpose, task, or conditions. It describes suitability in this abstract sense, not how something looks on a person.
- 訴訟そしょうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThis is 'suit' in the legal sense: a lawsuit or legal action. It is the word for court cases and litigation, unrelated to clothing or to something matching or fitting.
- 服ふくnoun, noun (suffix)Really means clothes or clothing in general, especially Western-style clothes, rather than a suit as a specific garment. When English 'suit' refers to the outfit itself, this is seldom the word you want.
Use 「スーツ」 for the garment, 「似合う」 for something that flatters a person's appearance, 「適する」 for being suited to a purpose, 訴訟 for a legal suit, while 服 really means clothes in general rather than a suit.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- スーツsuit (clothing)
- 似合うにあうto suit
- 適するてきするto fit
- 訴訟そしょうlawsuit
- 服ふくclothes (esp. Western clothes)
- 告訴こくそaccusation
- 適うかなうto suit (one's needs, tastes, purpose, etc.)
- 揃いそろいset
- 一重ねひとかさねsuit
- スートsuit
- 組札くみふだsuit (of cards)
- 争訟そうしょうlegal dispute
- 適すてきすto fit
- 心に染むこころにそむto be pleased with
- 気に染むきにそむto like
- 合うあうto fit
- 馴染むなじむto come to fit
- 釣り合うつりあうto suit
- アンサンブルensemble (of clothes)
- 落ち着くおちつくto harmonize with
See also
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