Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'underwear' depends on the type and context. The most common general term is 下着 (shitagi), but specific words like パンツ (pantsu) for underpants and ブラジャー (burajā) for bra are also widely used.
Referring to underwear in general, including all types worn under clothes.
The standard, neutral word for underwear. Can refer to any undergarment.
新しい下着を買った。
I bought new underwear.
下着の引き出しを整理した。
I organized my underwear drawer.
Refers specifically to underwear worn directly against the skin, like undershirts or long johns. Often used for thermal or basic innerwear.
冬は暖かい肌着を着る。
In winter, I wear warm thermal underwear.
Loanword from English 'inner'. Often used in fashion or retail contexts to refer to innerwear or layering pieces, not necessarily just underwear.
このインナーは透けにくい。
This inner layer is less see-through.
Referring specifically to lower underwear, such as briefs, boxers, or panties.
The most common word for underpants, used by all genders. Can also mean 'pants' in some contexts, but usually clear from situation.
パンツをはき替える。
I change my underpants.
新しいパンツが欲しい。
I want new underpants.
Typically refers to women's panties, often used in product names or slightly more formal than パンツ.
レースのショーツを買った。
I bought lace panties.
Specifically men's boxer shorts.
Men's briefs.
Referring to a brassiere.
The standard word for bra. Often shortened to ブラ in casual speech.
新しいブラジャーを買いに行く。
I'm going to buy a new bra.
Common abbreviation of ブラジャー, used in everyday conversation.
このブラ、ちょっときつい。
This bra is a bit tight.
Referring to a top worn under clothes, like a T-shirt or tank top.
Generic undershirt, often a T-shirt style.
夏はアンダーシャツを着ない。
I don't wear an undershirt in summer.
Camisole, typically for women.
Tank top, can be worn as underwear or outerwear.
Referring to long-sleeved or full-length thermal underwear.
Warm, often long-sleeved undershirt for winter. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or humorous.
寒いからババシャツを着た。
It's cold, so I wore a thermal undershirt.
Traditional Japanese long underpants, now often used for thermal leggings or long johns.
スキーに行くときは股引をはく。
When I go skiing, I wear long underwear.
Tights, often worn as thermal underwear under pants in cold weather.
Referring to decorative or sexy underwear.
Loanword for lingerie, used for fancy or sexy women's underwear.
彼女にランジェリーをプレゼントした。
I gave my girlfriend lingerie as a present.
Literally 'sexy underwear', a straightforward way to describe lingerie.
セクシー下着を買うのはちょっと恥ずかしい。
Buying sexy underwear is a bit embarrassing.
The word パンツ can mean both 'underpants' and 'trousers/pants' depending on context. In women's fashion, it often means outer pants. To avoid confusion, use ズボン for trousers, or clarify with 下着のパンツ (underwear pants).
In daily conversation, Japanese speakers often use specific words like パンツ or ブラ rather than the generic 下着. Use 下着 when you want to refer to underwear in general or in more formal situations.
彼はトランクスをはいている。
He is wearing boxers.
ブリーフ派ですか、トランクス派ですか。
Are you a briefs person or a boxers person?
白いキャミソールが透けている。
My white camisole is showing through.
I wear a tank top as underwear.
I wear tights under my pants.