Translation guide
In Japanese, the English loanword ランジェリー is widely understood, but native terms like 下着 and 肌着 are more common in daily life. The choice depends on context: fashion/retail vs. everyday underwear.
lingerie (fashionable)
underwear (everyday)
To refer to women's underwear in a neutral, everyday context.
The most common and neutral word for underwear, used for both men and women. In context, it clearly means women's underwear when referring to women.
I went to buy new underwear.
Refers to undergarments worn directly against the skin, like undershirts or camisoles. More specific than 下着, often used for inner layers.
The English loanword, used mainly in fashion contexts or to sound stylish. Not used in everyday conversation about ordinary underwear.
To talk about lingerie as stylish, often sensual women's underwear, like in a store or magazine.
The direct loanword, strongly associated with fashionable, often luxurious or sexy underwear. Common in retail and media.
I went to the lingerie department in the department store.
Literally 'women's underwear'. A more descriptive term, used when you need to be clear about the gender, but less fashionable than ランジェリー.
Can be used in fashion contexts if the meaning is clear, but ランジェリー is preferred for the stylish nuance.
To refer to lingerie given as a romantic or special gift.
The loanword carries a sense of specialness and is appropriate for gifts.
I received lingerie as a present from my boyfriend.
Literally 'battle underwear', a colloquial term for special underwear worn on a date or romantic occasion. Implies a playful, strategic choice.
ランジェリー is a loanword that specifically evokes fashionable, often luxurious or sexy women's underwear. 下着 is the general term for underwear (men's or women's) and is used in daily conversation. Using ランジェリー for ordinary cotton underwear can sound overly dramatic or like a joke.
For everyday underwear, cotton is best.
She wants to become a lingerie model.
In casual conversation about buying or wearing underwear, using ランジェリー can sound affected. Stick to 下着 unless you are specifically talking about the fashion item.
冬は暖かい肌着を着ます。
In winter, I wear warm undergarments.
She collects luxury lingerie.
New women's underwear has arrived.
この下着はデザインが素敵ですね。
This underwear has a lovely design.
I wore my special 'battle underwear' today.