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.
I undress as soon as I get home.
暑いから上着を脱いだ。
I took off my jacket because it was hot.
Literally 'take off clothes'. Often used when the context doesn't specify the clothing item.
お風呂に入る前に服を脱ぎます。
I undress before taking a bath.
Formal or written term for undressing, often used in instructions or signs.
こちらで脱衣してください。
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.
子供の服を脱がせる。
I undress my child.
看護師が患者の服を脱がせた。
The nurse undressed the patient.
Alternative causative form, slightly more direct. Common in casual speech.
赤ちゃんを脱がしてお風呂に入れる。
I undress the baby and put them in the bath.
Focusing on the state of removing clothes, often to change into something else.
Means 'to change clothes'. Implies undressing and putting on something else. Very common.
パジャマに着替える。
I change into pajamas. (I undress and put on pajamas.)
帰宅したらすぐに着替えます。
I change clothes as soon as I get home.
Literally 'become naked'. Used when the result is being completely undressed.
Emphasizing removing all clothes, often with a nuance of haste or exposure.
To take off and throw aside clothes, often carelessly or in a hurry.
彼は服を脱ぎ捨てて海に飛び込んだ。
He stripped off his clothes and jumped into the sea.
To become completely naked. Explicit and somewhat formal.
検査のために全裸になった。
I undressed completely for the examination.
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.
It's embarrassing to undress in front of the doctor.