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.
この服はとても着やすい。
This garment is very comfortable to wear.
新しい服を買った。
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.
衣類の取り扱いにご注意ください。
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.
伝統的な衣服を着る。
Wear traditional garments.
Counter for one garment (especially suits, dresses, coats). Used with numbers to specify a single piece.
スーツを一着注文した。
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.
ウールのセーターを着ている。
I'm wearing a woolen garment (sweater).
上着を脱いだ。
I took off my outer garment (jacket).
Pattern meaning "clothes for ~." Combine with a purpose or material to describe a garment.
これは防寒用の服です。
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.
この工場では高品質の衣料品を生産している。
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.
この服、かわいいね。
This garment is cute, isn't it? (natural)
この衣類はかわいいね。
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.
This garment can be washed in a washing machine.
Study the history of garments.