Translation guide
A waterproof raincoat, often made of rubberized fabric. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 'reinkōto', but other terms exist depending on material and style.
レインコート
raincoat
The learner wants to refer to a raincoat that is waterproof, like a classic mackintosh.
The most common and general term for a raincoat, including modern waterproof coats. Suitable for everyday use.
雨が降りそうだから、レインコートを持っていきます。
It looks like rain, so I'll take my raincoat.
A traditional Japanese raincoat, often made of oiled paper or plastic. Can refer to any raincoat, but has a slightly old-fashioned or rustic feel. Also used for poncho-style rainwear.
子供の頃、黄色い合羽を着て学校に行きました。
When I was a child, I wore a yellow raincoat to school.
A formal or literary term for rainwear. Rarely used in conversation; more common in written contexts or product descriptions.
登山用の雨衣を購入しました。
I purchased rainwear for mountain climbing.
The learner wants to emphasize the rubberized or plastic material typical of a classic mackintosh.
Still the best default. To specify material, you can add descriptors like 'ゴム引きの' (rubberized) or 'ビニールの' (vinyl).
ゴム引きのレインコートは完全防水です。
A rubberized raincoat is completely waterproof.
Direct loanword from English, used in fashion contexts to refer to the classic British mackintosh coat. Not widely understood by all Japanese speakers.
彼は英国製のマッキントッシュを着ている。
He is wearing a British-made mackintosh.
To be clear about a rubberized or plastic raincoat, use phrases like ゴム引きのレインコート (rubberized raincoat) or ビニールのレインコート (vinyl raincoat).