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.
I bought new underwear.
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.
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.
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.
I change my underpants.
I want new underpants.
Typically refers to women's panties, often used in product names or slightly more formal than パンツ.
Specifically men's boxer shorts.
Men's briefs.
Referring to a brassiere.
Referring to a top worn under clothes, like a T-shirt or tank top.
Referring to long-sleeved or full-length thermal underwear.
Warm, often long-sleeved undershirt for winter. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or humorous.
It's cold, so I wore a thermal undershirt.
Traditional Japanese long underpants, now often used for thermal leggings or long johns.
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.
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.
I bought lace panties.
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?
This bra is a bit tight.
My white camisole is showing through.
タンクトップを肌着代わりに着る。
I wear a tank top as underwear.
I wear tights under my pants.