Translation guide
Japanese words for underclothes, underwear, and undergarments, with notes on usage, formality, and common expressions.
The speaker wants to refer to underwear in a general, everyday sense.
The most common and neutral word for underwear. Can refer to both men's and women's undergarments.
I bought new underwear.
Refers specifically to undergarments worn directly against the skin, like undershirts or long underwear. Often used for thermal or sweat-absorbing innerwear.
Loanword from English, used in fashion or retail contexts. Sounds more stylish or technical.
The speaker wants to refer specifically to women's undergarments, often with a sense of fashion or delicacy.
The speaker wants to refer specifically to men's undergarments.
Literally 'men's underwear'. Neutral and clear.
The speaker wants to refer to an undershirt or a garment worn under outer clothes for warmth or sweat absorption.
As above, but here emphasizing its role as an undershirt. Often used for cotton or thermal innerwear.
The speaker wants to refer specifically to lower undergarments.
Common word for underpants, panties, or briefs. Can be used for both men and women, but context matters. In casual speech, it often means underpants, but can also mean trousers in some contexts (especially men's).
Be aware that パンツ can also mean 'trousers' or 'pants' in certain contexts, especially in men's fashion. For underwear, it's usually clear from context.
The word パンツ can mean either 'underpants' or 'trousers/pants' depending on context. In women's speech, it almost always means underpants. In men's speech, it can mean trousers, especially in fashion contexts. To avoid confusion, use 下着 (したぎ) for underwear or specify with ズボン for trousers.
These panties are cute, aren't they? (likely women's speech)
I organized my underwear drawer.
In winter, I layer thermal underwear.
This brand's underwear is popular.
Loanword from French, used for women's lingerie. Implies fashionable or delicate items.
I gave her lingerie as a present.
Literally 'women's underwear'. A straightforward, neutral term.
Where is the women's underwear section?
I gave men's underwear for Father's Day.
Refers to boxer shorts, a common type of men's underwear.
I prefer boxer briefs over boxer shorts.
I sweated, so I changed my undershirt.
Loanword for 'undershirt'. Common in casual speech.
I bought an undershirt at Uniqlo.
I change my underpants.
Refers specifically to women's panties or shorts-style underwear. Often used in fashion or retail.
Lace panties were on sale.
I bought new trousers. (likely men's speech)
下着 (したぎ) is the general term for underwear, including both tops and bottoms. 肌着 (はだぎ) specifically refers to garments worn directly on the skin, often for warmth or sweat absorption, like undershirts or long johns. 肌着 is a subset of 下着.
I looked for undershirts in the underwear section.