Translation guide
A sash worn with traditional Japanese clothing, especially kimono. The word is also used in martial arts for the belt indicating rank.
obi (kimono sash)
Refers to the sash worn with kimono or martial arts uniform.
The wide sash worn with kimono or yukata
The standard word for the sash worn with kimono, yukata, and other traditional Japanese clothing.
彼女は美しい帯を締めている。
She is wearing a beautiful obi.
Choose an obi that matches the yukata.
The belt worn in martial arts like judo, karate, or aikido, often indicating rank
Used for the belt in martial arts. The color often indicates rank.
He has a black belt.
You can tell the rank by the color of the judo belt.
A wide belt or sash that is part of a garment, not necessarily traditional Japanese
Can refer to a sash or wide belt on Western clothing, though less common.
That dress has a wide sash.
In English, 'obi' specifically refers to the traditional Japanese sash. In Japanese, 帯 (obi) is used for both the kimono sash and martial arts belts, but not for a regular pants belt (that's ベルト).