Translation guide
The English word 'dress' can refer to a one-piece garment, the act of putting on clothes, or a style of clothing. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A woman's or girl's one-piece garment that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
The most common and natural word for a dress as a one-piece garment. Used for casual and formal dresses.
She was wearing a red dress.
I bought a new dress for the party.
Often implies a more formal or elegant dress, such as a party dress or evening gown. Can also refer to a dress in a general sense.
I wore a white dress at the wedding.
She was wearing a beautiful evening dress.
Casual abbreviation of ワンピース, used in everyday conversation, especially among younger people.
I went out in a dress today.
To put clothes on oneself or someone else.
Used for putting on upper-body garments or whole-body garments like dresses, coats, shirts. Transitive verb.
I get up in the morning and dress (put on clothes).
She quickly put on the dress.
To change clothes, often used when dressing after being in pajamas or changing into a different outfit.
To put on or wear accessories, clothes, etc. More formal/literary. Emphasizes adorning oneself.
A particular style or manner of clothing, often for a specific occasion or group.
General term for attire, clothing, or dress style. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
The dress for the party is casual (free).
Borrowed from English 'dress code'. Used for formal rules about what to wear.
Personal appearance or dress, often with a nuance of neatness or appropriateness.
To clean and cover a wound with a bandage or dressing.
To add a sauce or seasoning to food.
The most natural way to say 'dress a salad' in Japanese, using the loanword ドレッシング.
Please dress the salad.
To dress or toss food with sauce/seasoning, often used in Japanese cooking.
ワンピース is the everyday word for a one-piece dress, while ドレス often implies a more formal or elegant garment. In casual conversation, ワンピ is common among younger speakers.
I usually wear a casual dress, but I wear a formal dress to parties.
The verb ドレスする is not commonly used for 'get dressed'. Use 着替える or 服を着る instead.
Get dressed quickly.
She bought a new dress.
Please dress the salad.
He dressed quickly.
パジャマから着替えてください。
Please get dressed (change out of your pajamas).
I change clothes before going out.
彼女は高価な宝石を身に着けていた。
She was dressed in expensive jewels.
I attended the ceremony in traditional dress.
This restaurant has a dress code.
He is always neatly dressed.
Dress the spinach with sesame sauce.