Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for swimsuit is 水着 (mizugi). There are also specific terms for different styles, such as bikinis or school swimsuits.
The most common, all-purpose word for any swimsuit or bathing suit.
The standard, neutral word for swimsuit. Used for men's, women's, and children's swimwear.
新しい水着を買った。
I bought a new swimsuit.
水着に着替えます。
I'll change into my swimsuit.
A two-piece swimsuit for women.
The standard loanword for bikini. Widely understood.
彼女は赤いビキニを着ている。
She is wearing a red bikini.
A one-piece swimsuit, often for women or competitive swimming.
From 'one-piece'. Refers specifically to a one-piece swimsuit. Can also mean a dress, but context usually makes it clear.
ワンピースの水着が好きです。
I like one-piece swimsuits.
From 'separate', but used for tankinis or two-piece suits that are not bikinis. Less common.
The standard swimsuit worn in Japanese schools, often a dark blue one-piece with a name tag.
Literally 'school swimsuit'. Refers to the standardized swimwear used in many Japanese schools.
スクール水着に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on your school swimsuit.
Another term for school swimsuit, but スクール水着 is more common.
学校水着は紺色です。
The school swimsuit is navy blue.
Men's swimwear, typically shorts.
The general word 水着 also covers men's swim trunks. No separate word is usually needed.
彼は水着を履いてプールに入った。
He put on his swim trunks and got in the pool.
Loanword for board shorts or surf trunks. Common for casual beachwear.
サーフパンツをはいて海に行く。
I wear board shorts to the beach.
A tight-fitting swim shirt, often worn for sun protection or surfing.
The standard term for rash guard. Very common in Japan for both men and women.
日焼け防止にラッシュガードを着る。
I wear a rash guard to prevent sunburn.
If you're unsure which specific word to use, 水着 (mizugi) is always safe and natural for any kind of swimsuit. You can add descriptors like ビキニの水着 (bikini-style swimsuit) or 男性用の水着 (men's swimsuit) if needed.
The English word 'swimsuit' is not used as a loanword in Japanese. Always use 水着 or a specific term like ビキニ.
セパレートタイプの水着を探しています。
I'm looking for a tankini-style swimsuit.