How to say "underwear" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 下着したぎnounThe general word for underwear or undergarments of any kind, covering everything worn beneath outer clothing. Use this as your default choice in most everyday contexts, from shopping to laundry.
- 肌着はだぎnounAlso means underwear or underclothes, with a nuance of garments worn directly against the skin, such as a chemise. Choose it when that close-to-the-skin quality matters.
Both 下着 and 肌着 refer to clothing worn under outer clothes; use 下着 as the general everyday term, and 肌着 when emphasizing garments worn close to the skin.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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