Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for panties is most commonly パンツ, but there are several other terms depending on style, context, and formality. This guide covers the most useful words and phrases for an English-speaking learner.
The most common, everyday word for women's underpants.
The standard loanword from English 'pants', used for both men's and women's underwear, but context usually makes it clear. In women's contexts, it specifically means panties.
新しいパンツを買った。
I bought new panties.
そのパンツ、かわいいね。
Those panties are cute.
From 'shorts', often used in fashion or retail contexts for women's panties. Slightly more refined or commercial than パンツ.
こちらのショーツは綿100%です。
These panties are 100% cotton.
General word for underwear (can include bras, undershirts, etc.). Use when the specific type is clear from context, or when speaking generally.
旅行には下着を多めに持っていく。
I take extra underwear when traveling.
Terms for particular cuts or styles.
Thong or G-string. Loanword from English 'T-back'.
Tバックはラインが響かない。
Thongs don't show panty lines.
Boyshorts or boyleg panties. Literally 'boxer pants', but used for women's styles as well.
ボクサーパンツは履き心地がいい。
Boyshorts are comfortable to wear.
Low-rise panties. Loanword from English.
Words used with children or in polite/indirect contexts.
Cute, childish way to say panties. Often used by or to children, or in a playful tone.
おぱんつ、ちゃんと履いた？
Did you put on your panties properly?
Direct loanword from 'panty'. Often used in product names or by older generations. Can sound slightly dated or formal.
パンティーストッキングを履く。
I wear pantyhose.
When 'panties' is part of 'pantyhose'.
Pantyhose. Often shortened to パンスト in casual speech.
パンティーストッキングを履く。
I put on pantyhose.
Abbreviation of パンティーストッキング. Very common in casual conversation.
パンストが伝線した。
My pantyhose got a run.
While パンツ is common, it can sound too direct or childish in very formal situations. In such cases, use 下着 (underwear) or ショーツ if referring to the garment in a retail or medical context.
診察の際は下着を脱いでください。
Please remove your underwear for the examination.
パンツ is the everyday word for panties, used by all ages. ショーツ is more common in advertising, packaging, and fashion writing. It sounds slightly more elegant or technical.
ローライズのパンツを探しています。
I'm looking for low-rise panties.