掛け布団
kakebuton
The English phrase "comforter" is translated into Japanese as 掛け布団 (kakebuton).
掛け布団 is used to refer to a padded cover or quilt used for warmth in bedding.
Meaning: padded cover (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of kake, meaning hanging or covering and futon, meaning bedding or futon.
Which one should you use?
While 掛け布団 refers to the top cover or comforter, 敷き布団 refers to the mattress or pad placed on the floor.
How do you pronounce it?
kakebuton
Did you know?
- The word futon in 掛け布団 is actually a loanword from the Chinese word fútòn, which originally referred to a padded mat used by monks.
- Unlike a Western 'comforter' which stays on the bed, a traditional Japanese 掛け布団 is often folded and stored in a closet (oshiire) every morning to prevent moisture buildup.
- The word kakeru in 掛け布団 can also mean 'to make a phone call' or 'to bet money', though here it refers to 'laying something over'.
Examples in context
- 掛け布団でぐっすりと眠ることができます。You can sleep soundly with a comforter.
- 寒い冬でも羽毛布団があれば暖かく眠れます。Even in cold winters, you can sleep warmly with a down comforter.
- 寝る前に掛けものをフカフカにするのが好きです。I like fluffing up the comforter before going to bed.
- 新しい掛け布団を買いました。atarashii kakebuton o kaimashita.I bought a new comforter.
- この掛け布団はとても暖かいです。kono kakebuton wa totemo atatakai desu.This comforter is very warm.
- 重い掛け布団が苦手です。omoi kakebuton ga nigate desu.I'm not fond of heavy comforters.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are shopping for bedding at a home goods store.
- 結衣 Yuiこの掛け布団、どう思う？kono kakebuton, dou omou?What do you think of this comforter?
- 蓮 Renデザインがとても綺麗だね。dezain ga totemo kirei da ne.The design is very beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui蓮君、触ってみて。ren-kun, sawatte mite.Ren, try touching it.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ、すごく柔らかいよ。hontou da, sugoku yawarakai yo.You're right, it's really soft.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 掛け布団, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
