襟
eri[e̞ɾʲi]
The English word 'collar' is translated into Japanese as 襟 (eri). Wiktionary also lists カラー (karā).
Meaning: fabric garment part fitting around throat (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 襟 | eri | [e̞ɾʲi] (narrow) [kʲĩɴ] (narrow) |
| カラー | karā | [ka̠ɾa̠ː] (narrow) |
The word refers to the fabric part of a garment that fits around the throat.
Which one should you use?
The native Japanese word 襟 (eri) is used to describe the physical part of a garment. In contrast, カラー (karā) is a loanword from English that is often used specifically within fashion or design contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The compound word 襟首 (erikubi) can be used to specifically refer to the back of the neck or the collar area, particularly when describing the act of grabbing someone.
How do you pronounce it?
eri
Did you know?
- Wearing a kimono with the right side over the left (the opposite of the standard 襟 fold) is reserved exclusively for dressing a body for burial.
- The expression 襟を正す (eri o tadasu), meaning 'to straighten one's collar', is used metaphorically to describe bracing oneself or adopting a formal and respectful attitude.
- The loanword カラー is a homograph that can mean 'collar' or 'color' depending on the context. Japanese speakers distinguish them by the surrounding words, as both are written and pronounced the same way in katakana.
Examples in context
- 彼はすりの襟首を掴んだ。He seized the pickpocket by the collar.This sentence shows how to use 襟 in the context of seizing someone.Tatoeba #113297 by bunbuku, translation #290377 by CK
- 襟に染みがついてますよ。Your collar has a stain on it.This sentence demonstrates how to point out a stain on a 襟.Tatoeba #1125950 by bunbuku, translation #17397 by CK
- 見知らぬ男が私の襟をつかんだ。A strange man caught me by the collar.This sentence illustrates the action of being caught by the 襟.Tatoeba #175123 by KK_kaku_, translation #239343 by handsomelyian
- 私のシャツの襟がしわくちゃです。My shirt collar is wrinkled.
- 彼女の着物には素敵な半襟がついている。Her kimono has a beautiful han-eri.
- このシャツの首元がきつい。The collar of this shirt is tight.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are looking at a new shirt in a clothing store.
- 結衣 Yuiこのシャツは襟が大きめだね。Kono shatsu wa eri ga ookime da ne.The collar on this shirt is quite large, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、おしゃれな感じがするよ。Un, oshare na kanji ga suru yo.Yeah, it looks stylish.
- 結衣 Yui陽太には似合うと思うよ。Yota ni wa niau to omou yo.I think it would suit you, Yota.
- 陽太 Yota本当？じゃあ試着してみるよ。Hontou? Jaa shichaku shite miru yo.Really? Then I'll try it on.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “collar” translations and entries 襟, カラー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries カラー, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
