Translation guide
The English word 'shoes' refers to footwear. In Japanese, the most common and general word is 靴 (くつ). However, Japanese has many specific terms for different types of shoes, and the way you talk about shoes depends on context, such as entering a house or referring to footwear in formal situations.
The most common, everyday word for shoes of any kind.
This is the standard, all-purpose word for shoes. It covers most types of footwear, from sneakers to dress shoes.
I bought new shoes.
Please put on your shoes.
When you need to specify the kind of shoes, Japanese uses compound words or loanwords.
Loanword for sneakers or athletic shoes. Very common in casual contexts.
These sneakers are comfortable.
Leather shoes, typically dress shoes. Used for formal or business settings.
High heels. Loanword from English.
Sandals. Loanword.
Boots. Loanword.
Athletic shoes, gym shoes. More formal or specific than スニーカー, often used in school contexts.
Indoor shoes, typically used in schools or some traditional settings. Not worn outside.
Japanese culture has specific customs about removing shoes indoors. These verbs are essential.
Common expressions for wearing, choosing, or dealing with shoes.
In very polite or service contexts, honorific forms may be used.
Honorific prefix お added to 靴. Used when referring to someone else's shoes politely, e.g., in a shop or hotel.
I will take care of your shoes. (e.g., at a cloakroom)
靴 (くつ) specifically means shoes that cover the foot and are worn outdoors. For slippers, use スリッパ; for traditional Japanese sandals, use 草履 (ぞうり) or 下駄 (げた); for socks, use 靴下 (くつした).
Use 履く (はく) for putting on shoes, socks, and pants/skirts. Do not use 着る (きる), which is for upper-body clothing. Saying 靴を着る is incorrect.
明日は革靴を履いて行きます。
I'll wear leather shoes tomorrow.
彼女はハイヒールを履いています。
She is wearing high heels.
夏はサンダルを履きます。
I wear sandals in the summer.
Boots are warm in winter.
You need gym shoes for PE class.
学校では上履きに履き替えます。
At school, we change into indoor shoes.