Translation guide
A girdle can refer to a belt or sash worn around the waist, a shapewear undergarment, or an anatomical structure. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A band worn around the waist, often decorative or functional, to hold clothing or as an accessory.
General term for a sash or belt, especially for traditional Japanese clothing like kimono.
She wore a beautiful girdle with her kimono.
Loanword for 'belt', commonly used for Western-style belts, including wide decorative ones.
そのドレスには太いベルトが付いていた。
The dress came with a wide girdle.
Literally 'waist belt', can refer to a girdle or sash, but less common in everyday speech.
中世の騎士は腰帯に剣を吊るしていた。
Medieval knights hung their swords from a girdle.
A tight-fitting undergarment worn to shape the figure, similar to a corset or control brief.
The standard loanword for modern shapewear girdles, widely understood.
彼女はドレスの下にガードルを着用した。
She wore a girdle under her dress.
Generic term for shapewear or foundation garments, including girdles.
補正下着は体型を整えるのに役立つ。
Shapewear helps to smooth the figure.
Refers specifically to a corset, which is similar but usually more rigid and laced. Not a direct equivalent for all girdles.
Use only when referring to a boned, laced garment; not for elastic modern girdles.
A bony structure in the body, such as the pelvic girdle or pectoral girdle.
Used in anatomical compounds, e.g., 肩帯 (shoulder girdle), 骨盤帯 (pelvic girdle).
肩帯は鎖骨と肩甲骨から成る。
The shoulder girdle consists of the clavicle and scapula.
Specific term for pelvic girdle.
The English word 'girdle' for shapewear is directly borrowed as ガードル. Using other words like 帯 or ベルト would cause confusion.
ガードル specifically refers to a girdle (often high-waisted briefs), while 補正下着 is a broader term for all shapewear, including bodysuits and slips.
彼女は腰の帯をきつく締めた。
She tightened the girdle around her waist.
Assuming a traditional sash; for a Western belt, use ベルト.
このドレスには新しいガードルが必要だ。
I need a new girdle for this dress.
彼女はウエストを細く見せるためにコルセットを着けた。
She put on a corset to make her waist look smaller.
Pelvic girdle pain often occurs during pregnancy.