Translation guide
The English word 'shorts' refers to short pants. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ショートパンツ, but several other terms exist depending on style, length, and context.
To refer to short pants in general, such as casual shorts, athletic shorts, or everyday wear.
The most common and widely understood term for 'shorts' in Japanese. It is a loanword from English and can be used for most types of short pants.
夏はいつもショートパンツをはいています。
I always wear shorts in the summer.
Literally 'half pants', this is a traditional Japanese term for shorts. It is commonly used for children's shorts or in more formal contexts, but can sound slightly old-fashioned for adult casual wear.
子供の頃はよく半ズボンをはいていた。
When I was a child, I often wore shorts.
An abbreviation of '短いパンツ' (short pants). It is casual and often used for athletic or very short shorts. Common in spoken language.
今日は暑いから短パンで行こう。
It's hot today, so let's go in shorts.
To refer specifically to shorts worn for sports, exercise, or athletic activities.
A direct loanword meaning 'sports shorts'. Used for athletic shorts, often with an elastic waistband.
ジムではスポーツショーツを着用してください。
Please wear sports shorts at the gym.
Specifically 'running shorts'. Lightweight and often with a split side.
新しいランニングショーツを買った。
I bought new running shorts.
Training shorts, often used for gym workouts or general exercise.
トレーニングショーツが汗でびしょびしょだ。
My training shorts are soaked with sweat.
To refer to extremely short shorts, often worn by women as fashion items.
A loanword for 'hot pants', referring to very short shorts, typically for women. Common in fashion contexts.
彼女はホットパンツを履いてパーティーに行った。
She wore hot pants to the party.
Literally 'short shorts', emphasizing the shortness. Can be used for both men's and women's very short shorts.
今年はショートショーツが流行っている。
Short shorts are in fashion this year.
To refer to shorts worn as underwear, specifically boxer shorts.
The standard term for 'boxer shorts' as underwear. Often shortened to just 'ボクサー' in casual speech.
ボクサーパンツよりトランクスの方が好きです。
I prefer trunks over boxer shorts.
Refers to 'trunks' or loose-fitting boxer shorts. Often used for swim trunks as well.
To refer to shorts worn for swimming, especially longer styles like board shorts.
Board shorts or surf pants. Typically longer and looser, worn by surfers or as casual swimwear.
海に行くからサーフパンツを用意して。
We're going to the beach, so get your board shorts ready.
Literally 'swimsuit shorts', a generic way to refer to the shorts part of a swimsuit or swim trunks.
この水着のショーツはちょっときつい。
These swim shorts are a bit tight.
ショートパンツ is the most neutral and widely used term for shorts. 半ズボン is often associated with children's clothing or school uniforms, and can sound childish or old-fashioned for adults. 短パン is very casual and often implies very short or athletic shorts. Use ショートパンツ unless you want to emphasize a specific nuance.
大人が半ズボンをはいていると、少し子供っぽく見えるかもしれません。
If an adult wears 'han-zubon', it might look a bit childish.
The word ショーツ (shōtsu) in Japanese typically refers to women's underpants or panties, not outerwear shorts. Using ショーツ to mean shorts can cause confusion or embarrassment. Always use ショートパンツ or another appropriate term for outerwear.
「ショーツを買いたい」と言うと、下着売り場を案内されるかもしれません。
If you say 'I want to buy shōtsu', you might be directed to the underwear section.
彼はトランクス一枚で部屋を歩き回った。
He walked around the room in just his boxers.