土足
Meanings
1
shod feet; wearing shoes
Refers to feet with shoes on, especially in contexts where shoes are normally removed, such as entering a house or a traditional space. Often used in signs like 土足厳禁 (no shoes allowed).
Shoes are strictly prohibited in this room.
Please do not step inside with your shoes on.
2
muddy feet; dirty feet
Describes feet that are dirty or muddy, often from walking outside. Less common than the 'shod feet' sense, but still used in contexts where cleanliness is emphasized.
If you enter the house with muddy feet, the floor will get dirty.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に土足で上がるto step up into a room or house with one's shoes still on
He stepped into the house with his shoes still on, without taking them off.
- 土足のまま〈動詞〉to do something while still wearing shoes, without removing them
I accidentally walked into the room without taking off my shoes.