Translation guide
Describes the state or action of having clothing, accessories, or items on the body. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is worn and where on the body it is placed.
Express wearing items on the torso or upper body.
General verb for wearing clothing on the upper body, such as shirts, jackets, coats, and dresses.
He is wearing a blue shirt.
今日は寒いからコートを着た。
I wore a coat because it's cold today.
A more formal or general expression meaning 'to wear' or 'to put on' any item of clothing or accessory. Often used in written or polite contexts.
彼女は高価な宝石を身に着けていた。
She was wearing expensive jewelry.
Express wearing items on the legs or feet.
Used for wearing items on the lower body, including pants, skirts, shoes, socks, and tights.
彼はジーンズを履いている。
He is wearing jeans.
新しい靴を履いて出かけた。
I went out wearing new shoes.
Express wearing items on the head or around the neck.
Used for wearing items on the head, such as hats, caps, and wigs.
彼は帽子をかぶっている。
He is wearing a hat.
Used for wearing glasses or sunglasses.
Used for wearing accessories like necklaces, earrings, ties, and scarves. Also used for makeup and perfume.
彼女は真珠のネックレスをしている。
She is wearing a pearl necklace.
Used specifically for wearing scarves or wraps around the neck.
寒いのでマフラーを巻いている。
I'm wearing a scarf because it's cold.
Express wearing items on the hands.
Used for wearing gloves or rings.
彼女は結婚指輪をはめている。
She is wearing a wedding ring.
手袋をはめて外に出た。
I put on gloves and went outside.
Can also be used for rings and other hand accessories, though はめる is more specific.
彼は指輪をしている。
He is wearing a ring.
Describe what someone is wearing overall or the act of being clothed.
The te-iru form of 着る, used to describe the state of wearing upper-body clothing. Often used in general descriptions.
彼女は赤いドレスを着ている。
She is wearing a red dress.
Noun meaning 'attire' or 'clothing'. Used to describe what someone is wearing in a general sense.
彼の服装はいつもおしゃれだ。
His attire is always stylish.
English uses 'wear' for almost everything, but Japanese requires choosing the correct verb based on the body part. Using the wrong verb can sound unnatural or confusing.
着る (kiru) is for upper body, 履く (haku) is for lower body and footwear, かぶる (kaburu) is for the head. Remembering this distinction is essential for natural Japanese.
Many small accessories (necklaces, earrings, ties) use する. It's a safe default if you're unsure, but learning the specific verbs will make your Japanese more precise.
She is wearing glasses.
I'm not wearing a tie today.