Translation guide
Clothing worn as the outermost layer, such as coats, jackets, or robes. Japanese distinguishes between Western-style outerwear and traditional garments.
A piece of clothing worn over other clothes, typically for warmth or protection, like a coat or jacket.
The most common word for outerwear, including jackets, coats, and blazers. It refers to any garment worn over indoor clothes.
寒いので上着を着てください。
Please put on a jacket because it's cold.
上着を脱いで楽にしてください。
Take off your coat and make yourself comfortable.
Specifically a coat, usually longer and heavier, like a winter coat or trench coat. A loanword from English.
冬用のコートを買いました。
I bought a winter coat.
A jacket, typically lighter and shorter than a coat, like a suit jacket or casual jacket.
このジャケットは春にちょうどいいです。
This jacket is perfect for spring.
An outer garment in the context of traditional Japanese clothing, such as a kimono or haori worn over other layers.
A traditional Japanese hip- or thigh-length jacket worn over a kimono. Often used for formal occasions.
彼は着物の上に羽織を着ていた。
He wore a haori over his kimono.
A formal or literary term for an overcoat or cloak, sometimes used for traditional outer garments. Rare in everyday speech.
The outermost piece in a layered clothing ensemble, not necessarily a coat, but the top layer.
Literally 'the topmost clothing'. Used to describe the outer layer in a layered look.
一番上の服は薄手のカーディガンです。
The outer layer is a thin cardigan.
A loanword from English 'outer', used in fashion contexts to refer to outerwear in general.
このアウターは軽くて暖かい。
This outerwear is light and warm.
The direct translation '外の服' (soto no fuku) is not used in Japanese. Use 上着 or specific terms like コート instead.
彼は黒い外套をまとっていた。
He was wearing a black cloak.