Translation guide
Japanese expressions for sportswear, athletic clothing, and activewear, ranging from general terms to specific items.
スポーツウェア
sportswear
Referring to clothing designed for sports or exercise in general.
The most common and direct loanword for 'sportswear'. Used in everyday conversation and retail.
新しいスポーツウェアを買った。
I bought new sportswear.
A native Japanese term for exercise clothes, often used for school gym uniforms or general workout attire.
体育の授業では運動着が必要です。
You need sportswear for PE class.
Specifically refers to training wear, often used for gym or fitness clothing.
ジム用のトレーニングウェアを探している。
I'm looking for training wear for the gym.
Sporty clothing worn as everyday fashion, not necessarily for sports.
Describes sporty-looking clothes. 'スポーティー' is a common adjective for a casual athletic style.
今日はスポーティーな服で出かけた。
I went out in sporty clothes today.
A loanword for 'activewear', used in fashion contexts for stylish athletic-inspired clothing.
最近はアクティブウェアが流行っている。
Activewear is trendy lately.
Referring to individual pieces of sportswear like jerseys, tracksuits, etc.
Refers to a tracksuit or jersey material clothing, very common in school and casual contexts.
部活の後はジャージに着替える。
After club activities, I change into my tracksuit.
Specifically a team uniform for sports. Not used for general sportswear.
Specifically a gymnastics or exercise uniform, often used in school settings.
The English word 'sportswear' is often used broadly, but in Japanese, スポーツウェア specifically means clothing for sports. For casual athletic fashion, use スポーティーな服 or アクティブウェア.
I wear a soccer uniform to cheer.
体操着を忘れたので見学します。
I forgot my gym clothes, so I'll just watch.