Translation guide
How to express 'putting on' in Japanese depends on what is being put on: clothes, accessories, makeup, or other items. Japanese uses different verbs for different objects and body parts.
To put on clothing items like shirts, pants, jackets, etc.
Used for putting on upper-body clothing or full-body garments like shirts, jackets, dresses, and coats.
I put on a shirt every morning.
I put on a coat because it was cold.
Used for putting on lower-body clothing like pants, trousers, skirts, and underwear.
Formal term for 'wearing' or 'putting on' clothing, often used in written instructions or official contexts.
Please wear formal attire at the ceremony.
To put on items like hats, glasses, gloves, jewelry, etc.
Used for putting on items that go on the head, such as hats, caps, and wigs.
To apply cosmetics, lotion, or sunscreen.
Used for applying creams, lotions, sunscreen, or liquid foundation.
To put on shoes, socks, or stockings.
Used for putting on shoes, socks, stockings, and other footwear.
To put on a belt, obi, or similar item.
Used for fastening belts, obi sashes, or ties.
To put on a backpack, shoulder bag, or similar item.
Used for putting on a backpack or carrying something on one's back.
These three verbs are the most common for clothing but are not interchangeable. 着る (kiru) is for upper body or full-body garments, 履く (haku) is for lower body and footwear, and かぶる (kaburu) is for items on the head. Using the wrong verb can sound unnatural.
I put on jeans.
I put on a skirt and went out.
I put on a hat.
Please put on a helmet.
Used for attaching or putting on accessories like earrings, necklaces, brooches, or masks. Also used for makeup and perfume.
I put on earrings.
I put on a mask.
Used for putting on items that fit snugly, like rings, gloves, or watches.
Used for putting on glasses or sunglasses.
I put on glasses.
Used for putting on scarves or wrapping items around the neck or body.
I put on a scarf.
日焼け止めを塗る。
I put on sunscreen.
I put on foundation.
Used for applying makeup products like lipstick, blush, or powder. Also used for perfume.
Used specifically for drawing eyeliner or eyebrows.
I put on eyeliner.
靴を履く。
I put on shoes.
I put on socks.
I put on a belt.
I put on a tie.
I put on a backpack.
Used for putting on a shoulder bag or hanging something over the shoulder.
I put a bag on my shoulder.
I put on pants.
I put on a hat.
English 'put on' covers many actions, but Japanese requires specific verbs. Using 着る for shoes or hats is incorrect. Learn the object-verb pairs.