Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word 'robe' can refer to several distinct items: a bathrobe, a ceremonial robe (like a judge's or academic gown), or a loose-fitting traditional garment. The most common and useful meaning for learners is a bathrobe or dressing gown, typically worn after bathing or while relaxing at home.
A loose, comfortable garment worn after bathing or while relaxing at home, usually made of absorbent material like cotton or terry cloth.
The most direct and common term for a bathrobe, borrowed from English. Used in hotels, spas, and at home.
I put on a bathrobe after taking a bath.
A bathrobe was provided in the hotel room.
A general term for a gown or robe, often used for a dressing gown or a light robe worn over nightwear. Can also refer to a doctor's or judge's gown.
In the morning, I put a gown over my pajamas.
Literally 'room wear', this refers to comfortable clothes worn at home, which could include a robe-like garment. Not specifically a robe, but sometimes used in context.
I wear a loose robe as loungewear.
A formal, often long and flowing garment worn for official, academic, or judicial ceremonies, such as a judge's robe or a graduation gown.
Specifically refers to a judge's or lawyer's robe. Used in legal contexts.
The judge wears a robe.
Formal attire for ceremonies, which can include academic gowns or other official robes.
The direct loanword 'robe', often used for fantasy or historical robes, or in contexts like a wizard's robe. Can also be used for ceremonial robes in some contexts.
A loose, T-shaped robe worn in Japan, such as a yukata or a casual kimono-like garment.
A casual cotton kimono often worn after bathing or at summer festivals. It is the closest traditional equivalent to a bathrobe.
I change into a yukata at the ryokan.
A general term for traditional Japanese clothing, which can be described as a robe in English. However, it is more formal and not typically a bathrobe.
While 'バスローブ' is common, simply saying 'ローブ' might be understood as a wizard's robe or a ceremonial gown. Use 'バスローブ' for clarity when referring to a bathrobe.
A 浴衣 (yukata) is a traditional Japanese garment often provided at ryokans and worn after bathing, similar to a bathrobe. However, it is not made of terry cloth and is worn differently. A バスローブ is a Western-style bathrobe.
卒業式では式服を着る。
We wear academic robes at the graduation ceremony.
The wizard wears a long robe.
She wore a beautiful kimono (robe).