Translation guide
In Japanese, 'tights' refers to opaque, footed legwear similar to pantyhose but thicker. The most common word is タイツ, a loanword from English. There are also native terms for traditional Japanese legwear that can overlap in meaning.
タイツ
tights (opaque pantyhose)
The learner wants to refer to the garment typically worn by women and girls, covering from waist to toes, made of thicker opaque material.
The standard loanword for 'tights'. Refers to opaque, footed legwear, often worn for warmth or fashion. Can be used for both women's and children's tights, and sometimes for athletic or dance tights.
寒いのでタイツを履いた。
I wore tights because it was cold.
このタイツは80デニールです。
These tights are 80 denier.
Usually means 'stockings' or sheer pantyhose, but can sometimes be used loosely for tights in casual contexts. However, it typically implies sheer material, so タイツ is more accurate for opaque tights.
Using ストッキング for opaque tights may cause confusion. Reserve it for sheer hosiery.
ストッキングが伝線した。
My stockings got a run.
The learner encounters the word 'tights' in a historical or cultural context, referring to close-fitting leg coverings like those worn by samurai or in traditional attire.
Traditional Japanese close-fitting trousers, often worn by men under kimono or as workwear. Sometimes translated as 'tights' in older dictionaries, but not equivalent to modern tights.
祖父は冬に股引を履いていた。
My grandfather wore momohiki in winter.
Traditional Japanese underpants or close-fitting shorts, sometimes reaching mid-thigh. Rarely translated as 'tights' but may appear in historical contexts.
タイツ are opaque tights, usually thicker (often 40 denier and above). ストッキング are sheer stockings or pantyhose. パンスト (short for パンティストッキング) specifically refers to sheer pantyhose with a panty part. Use タイツ for opaque, footed legwear.
冬はタイツ、夏はストッキングを履きます。
I wear tights in winter and stockings in summer.
Men in sarumata carried the portable shrine at the festival.