Translation guide
In Japanese, 'seatbelt' is most commonly expressed as シートベルト (shītoberuto), a loanword from English. There is also a native Japanese term 座席ベルト (zaseki beruto), but it is less common. This guide covers how to talk about seatbelts, including fastening, wearing, and related safety phrases.
seatbelt
fasten your seatbelt
Referring to the seatbelt itself, as an object.
The most common and natural word for 'seatbelt' in Japanese. Used in everyday conversation, signs, and announcements.
Please fasten your seatbelt.
A less common, more formal term. Sometimes seen in written instructions or technical contexts.
Wear your seatbelt.
Expressing the action of fastening or putting on a seatbelt.
The most common way to say 'fasten a seatbelt'. 締める means to tighten or fasten.
Expressing the action of unfastening or taking off a seatbelt.
The most common way to say 'unfasten a seatbelt'. 外す means to remove or take off.
Describing the state of wearing a seatbelt.
The most natural way to say 'is wearing a seatbelt'. Uses している to indicate the state resulting from putting it on.
Referring to the seatbelt warning light or sign in a vehicle.
The seatbelt warning light on the dashboard.
When asking someone to fasten their seatbelt, use 締めてください (shimete kudasai) or the more formal お締めください (o-shime kudasai). In casual speech, 締めて (shimete) is fine.
Avoid saying シートベルトを着る (kiru, to wear clothes). Use 着用する (chakuyō suru) for formal 'wear', or する/締める for everyday speech.
Please wear your seatbelt.
Fasten your seatbelt as soon as you get in the car.
A more general way to say 'put on a seatbelt'. する is a versatile verb meaning 'to do', but here it implies wearing or putting on.
You have to wear your seatbelt even in the back seat.
A formal expression meaning 'to wear a seatbelt'. Often used in official announcements or written warnings.
On expressways, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory even in the back seat.
Please unfasten your seatbelt before getting out of the car.
Also means 'to take off a seatbelt', but 取る is more general (to take). Less specific than 外す.
Can I take off my seatbelt?
He is properly wearing his seatbelt.
Emphasizes that the seatbelt is fastened (tightened). Slightly more specific than している.
Please check that everyone has their seatbelt fastened.
The seatbelt warning light is on.
The 'fasten seatbelt' sign, especially on airplanes.
The fasten seatbelt sign has been turned off.
Make sure your seatbelt is fastened.