Translation guide
A loose dress worn for sleeping, typically by women or children. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ネグリジェ, but other terms like 寝巻き or パジャマ may be used depending on style and context.
A loose, often decorative dress-like garment for sleeping, usually worn by women.
The most direct and common translation for a women's nightgown. A loanword from French 'négligé'. Used in everyday conversation and shopping.
I bought a new nightgown.
She was wearing a silk nightgown.
A general term for sleepwear, including nightgowns, pajamas, and traditional Japanese sleepwear. Can be used for both men and women, but may sound slightly old-fashioned or unisex.
I change into my nightgown/pajamas.
Often used broadly for any sleepwear, including nightgowns, especially in casual contexts. However, it primarily means pajamas (two-piece set). Use with caution if you specifically mean a dress-like garment.
May be misunderstood as two-piece pajamas. Use ネグリジェ for clarity when referring to a nightgown.
I wear pajamas/a nightgown to bed.
A light cotton kimono worn for sleeping or lounging, often in Japanese inns or at home.
A casual cotton kimono often provided at ryokan (Japanese inns) or worn at home after bathing. Not exactly a 'nightgown' in the Western sense, but serves a similar purpose as sleepwear/loungewear.
I slept in a yukata at the inn.
An alternative kanji spelling for 寝巻き, sometimes used to emphasize traditional Japanese sleepwear. Same reading and meaning as 寝巻き.
A nightgown specifically for children, often with cute designs.
ネグリジェ specifically refers to a dress-like nightgown for women. パジャマ usually means two-piece pajamas but can be used loosely for any sleepwear. 寝巻き is a general term for sleepwear and can include both Western and Japanese styles.
She is wearing a nightgown.
He is wearing pajamas.
寝間着を着る。
I wear a nightgown (traditional).