Translation guide
The English word "garment" refers to a single piece of clothing. In Japanese, the most common and natural equivalent is 服 (ふく), which broadly means "clothes" or "clothing." However, Japanese often uses more specific words depending on the type of garment, context, or formality. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Referring to a single item of clothing in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for "clothes" or "garment." It can refer to a single piece or clothing in general. Use this in everyday conversation.
This garment is very comfortable to wear.
I bought a new garment (piece of clothing).
A slightly more formal term for "clothing" or "garments," often used in written contexts, official documents, or when discussing laundry/care.
Please handle the garment with care.
A formal term for "clothing" or "garments," similar to 衣類 but often used in contexts like fashion, law, or academic writing.
Wear traditional garments.
Counter for one garment (especially suits, dresses, coats). Used with numbers to specify a single piece.
I ordered one garment (a suit).
When you need to refer to a particular kind of garment (shirt, pants, etc.), Japanese uses the specific noun rather than a generic word.
a woolen garment · an outer garment
Instead of saying "garment," use the exact word for the item, e.g., シャツ (shirt), ズボン (pants), コート (coat). This is the most natural approach.
I'm wearing a woolen garment (sweater).
I took off my outer garment (jacket).
Pattern meaning "clothes for ~." Combine with a purpose or material to describe a garment.
This is a cold-weather garment.
In formal, commercial, or technical contexts where "garment" is used as a countable unit (e.g., in manufacturing, laundry, or retail).
Refers to clothing items as products or goods. Common in business, retail, and industry.
This factory produces high-quality garments.
Also used in technical contexts, but slightly broader. See general meaning above.
A formal, somewhat dated term for clothing/garments, used in academic or legal contexts (e.g., 被服学, clothing studies).
In everyday conversation, using 衣類 or 衣服 for a single piece of clothing can sound overly formal or stiff. Stick with 服 or the specific item name.
This garment is cute, isn't it? (natural)
This garment is cute, isn't it? (unnatural, too formal)
When counting garments, use the counter 着 (ちゃく) for suits, dresses, coats, etc., and 枚 (まい) for flat items like shirts. For general clothes, 点 (てん) is used in formal contexts.
この衣類は洗濯機で洗えます。
This garment can be washed in a washing machine.
被服の歴史を研究する。
Study the history of garments.