Translation guide
General term for items worn on the feet, such as shoes, boots, sandals, and socks. In Japanese, there is no single common word that covers all types of footgear; instead, specific words are used depending on the type.
Referring to items worn on the feet for protection, fashion, or activity, excluding socks.
The most common word for shoes in general. It covers most types of footwear that have a sole and enclose the foot, such as sneakers, dress shoes, and boots. It does not include sandals without a back strap or traditional Japanese footwear like geta.
新しい靴を買いました。
I bought new shoes.
靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes.
A broader term for footwear, including traditional Japanese items like geta and zori, as well as modern shoes. It is more formal and often used in written contexts or when referring to footwear as a category.
日本の伝統的な履物には下駄や草履があります。
Traditional Japanese footgear includes geta and zori.
Loanword from English, used mainly in fashion or retail contexts. Not common in everyday conversation.
この店では最新のフットウェアを販売しています。
This store sells the latest footgear.
Referring to items worn on the feet under shoes, such as socks, stockings, and tights.
The general word for socks. It covers all types of socks, from ankle socks to knee-highs. It does not include stockings or tights.
靴下を履くのを忘れました。
I forgot to put on socks.
Traditional Japanese split-toe socks, worn with geta or zori. Not used for modern footwear.
着物を着るときは足袋を履きます。
When wearing a kimono, you put on tabi socks.
Referring to footwear that exposes the toes or heel, such as sandals, flip-flops, and slides.
The most common word for sandals, including casual and fashion sandals. It covers open-toed shoes with straps.
夏はサンダルを履くことが多いです。
In summer, I often wear sandals.
Traditional Japanese sandals, often worn with yukata or kimono. They have a flat sole and thong straps.
Specifically flip-flops or beach sandals. Often made of rubber or plastic.
ビーチサンダルを履いて海に行きました。
I wore flip-flops to the beach.
Referring to footwear that covers the ankle and often part of the leg.
The general word for boots, including fashion boots, hiking boots, and rain boots.
冬はブーツを履きます。
In winter, I wear boots.
Specifically rain boots or rubber boots. Often used for gardening or wet weather.
Referring to soft footwear worn indoors.
The common word for slippers, especially the type used indoors in Japanese homes and schools.
家の中ではスリッパを履きます。
I wear slippers inside the house.
A more general term for indoor footwear, including slippers and school shoes. Often used in institutional settings.
Referring to footwear designed for sports or specific activities.
General term for athletic shoes or sneakers. Often used for gym class or casual sports.
体育の時間は運動靴が必要です。
You need athletic shoes for PE class.
Loanword for sneakers, often used for casual fashion sneakers rather than serious athletic shoes.
Refers to cleats or spiked shoes for sports like baseball, soccer, or track.
The English word 'footgear' is a broad category term. In Japanese, it is unnatural to use a single word to cover all types. Instead, use the specific word for the type of footgear you mean (e.g., 靴 for shoes, サンダル for sandals). Using 履物 is possible but sounds formal or written.
The verb 履く (はく) is used for putting on footwear that covers the foot (shoes, boots, socks, etc.). For sandals and slippers, 履く is also used. The verb 着る (きる) is for clothing on the upper body, and かぶる is for hats. Do not use 着る for footgear.
Refers specifically to women's stockings or pantyhose. Often used for sheer or nylon stockings.
ストッキングが伝線してしまった。
My stockings got a run.
You pair a yukata with zori sandals.
雨の日は長靴を履いて出かけます。
On rainy days, I go out wearing rain boots.
学校では室内履きに履き替えます。
At school, we change into indoor shoes.
新しいスニーカーを買いました。
I bought new sneakers.
サッカー用のスパイクを履いてください。
Please wear soccer cleats.