Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'pants' depends on the type. The most common general term is ズボン, but パンツ is also widely used, though it can mean underwear. Other words exist for specific styles.
The most common, everyday word for trousers or pants in general.
The standard, neutral word for trousers/pants. Safe to use in most situations.
新しいズボンを買った。
I bought new pants.
このズボンは少し長い。
These pants are a little long.
Commonly used for trousers, especially in casual contexts. However, it can also mean underwear, so context is important. Often used in compound words for specific styles.
Can mean 'underwear' depending on context. When in doubt, use ズボン for trousers.
そのパンツ、かっこいいね。
Those pants are cool.
Specifically referring to underwear worn on the lower body.
The most common word for underpants/underwear. Can refer to both men's and women's underwear.
パンツを履き替える。
I change my underwear.
General word for underwear, including both tops and bottoms. More formal than パンツ.
下着を買う。
I buy underwear.
Specifically denim pants.
The standard word for jeans.
ジーンズを履く。
I wear jeans.
Refers to denim fabric or denim pants, often used in fashion contexts.
デニムのパンツが好きです。
I like denim pants.
Formal or semi-formal trousers, often part of a suit.
Specifically refers to slacks or dress pants, often worn in business settings.
スラックスにアイロンをかける。
I iron my slacks.
Short pants that end above the knee.
Literally 'half pants', the standard word for shorts.
夏は半ズボンを履く。
I wear shorts in the summer.
Loanword from English 'short pants', commonly used for casual shorts.
Casual, soft pants often used for exercise or lounging.
The standard term for sweatpants.
スウェットパンツでくつろぐ。
I relax in sweatpants.
Often refers to a tracksuit or jersey material pants, commonly used for sports or casual wear.
体育の授業でジャージを着る。
I wear sweatpants for PE class.
The word パンツ can mean either 'trousers' or 'underwear' depending on context. In casual conversation, it often means trousers, but in more formal or ambiguous situations, it's safer to use ズボン for trousers and 下着 for underwear.
Use the verb 履く (はく) for putting on or wearing pants, trousers, underwear, and other items on the lower body. For example: ズボンを履く (put on/wear pants).
Short pants are in fashion.