Translation guide
The English verb 'undress' refers to removing one's own clothes or someone else's clothes. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on whether the action is done by oneself or to another person, and the level of formality.
Expressing the action of removing one's own clothing, typically in daily life.
The most common and general verb for taking off clothes (shirt, pants, etc.). Used for oneself.
家に帰ったらすぐに服を脱ぐ。
I undress as soon as I get home.
I took off my jacket because it was hot.
Literally 'take off clothes'. Often used when the context doesn't specify the clothing item.
I undress before taking a bath.
Formal or written term for undressing, often used in instructions or signs.
Please undress here.
Expressing the action of removing another person's clothes, such as a child or a patient.
Causative form of 脱ぐ, meaning 'to make/let someone take off clothes'. Natural for helping someone undress.
I undress my child.
The nurse undressed the patient.
Alternative causative form, slightly more direct. Common in casual speech.
I undress the baby and put them in the bath.
Focusing on the state of removing clothes, often to change into something else.
Emphasizing removing all clothes, often with a nuance of haste or exposure.
English often uses 'undress' without an object, but Japanese usually requires a direct object like 服 (clothes) with 脱ぐ. Saying just 脱ぐ without context can be ambiguous.
脱ぐ focuses on removing clothes, while 着替える includes the whole process of changing clothes. Use 着替える when you also put on something else.
I change clothes as soon as I get home.
It's embarrassing to undress in front of the doctor.