Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'long underwear' is most commonly expressed with specific terms for thermal undergarments, often worn in winter. The most natural equivalent depends on the style and context.
To refer to long-sleeved and long-legged thermal underwear worn for warmth, typically in winter.
General word for underwear or undergarments. When context makes it clear (e.g., winter, warmth), it can imply long underwear. Often used in compounds.
I wear warm long underwear in winter.
Specifically 'thermal underwear' or 'heat-retaining underwear'. Very common for long underwear designed for warmth.
This thermal long underwear is very warm.
Literally 'long-sleeved underwear'. Often implies a full set including long pants, but can be used for the top.
I bought long-sleeved underwear.
Traditional Japanese long underpants, often worn by men. Can be thermal. Slightly old-fashioned or associated with laborers.
My grandfather wears long underpants in winter.
Kansai dialect word for long underpants, similar to 股引. Casual and regional.
It's cold, so let's wear long underpants.
To refer to tight-fitting thermal bottoms worn under pants or skirts, often by women.
Tights. In winter, often refers to thermal tights worn as innerwear. Very common for women.
I'm wearing tights under my skirt.
Leggings. Often worn as innerwear for warmth, though sometimes as outerwear. Thicker thermal versions are common.
Tight-fitting stretch pants, similar to leggings. Sometimes used for thermal innerwear, but can also refer to athletic wear.
To refer specifically to a long-sleeved thermal top worn as an inner layer.
Long-sleeved shirt. In the context of innerwear, it implies a thermal undershirt. Often used in compounds like 保温長袖シャツ.
Wearing a thermal long-sleeved shirt keeps you warm.
Undershirt. Often implies a long-sleeved thermal undershirt in winter contexts.
The direct translation '長い下着' (nagai shitagi) is not used in Japanese. It sounds unnatural and may not be understood.
In Japanese, the specific type of garment (top, bottom, full set) is often specified. If you just say '肌着', it could mean any underwear. Use compounds like '保温肌着' or '長袖肌着' for clarity.
防寒用のレギンスを探しています。
I'm looking for thermal leggings.
スパッツを重ね着すると暖かい。
Layering with spats keeps you warm.
I bought a winter undershirt.