衣類
irui[iɾɯ̟i]
The English phrase "garments" is translated into Japanese as 衣類 (irui).
衣類 is used to refer to items of clothing worn on the body. This term acts as a broad category that also includes accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves.
Which one should you use?
While 衣類 refers to "garments" in a formal or categorical sense, the word 服 is the much more common and everyday way to say "clothes".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
衣類 is a formal or technical term. You will typically encounter it in contexts such as retail, manufacturing or within official documentation.
How do you pronounce it?
irui
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 衣 can also refer to a coating or batter on fried food, such as the crisp layer on tempura. This uses the idea of 'clothing' the food in a protective layer.
- In very formal contexts, the phrase 衣食住 (ishokuju) is used to describe the three basic necessities of life: clothing, food and shelter. The word for clothing, 衣, always comes first in this fundamental sequence.
- The character 衣 used in 衣類 is a pictograph that originally depicted a piece of clothing hanging from a hook. It is often used as a radical in other Japanese words related to fabric or dress.
Examples in context
- 最新のファッションには、個性的な服がたくさんあります。In the latest fashion, there are many unique garments.
- この店は衣類がとても充実している。Kono mise wa irui ga totemo juujitsu shite iru.This shop has a great selection of garments.
- 冬の衣類は洗濯に時間がかかる。Fuyu no irui wa sentaku ni jikan ga kakaru.Winter garments take a long time to wash.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are sorting through clothes for a donation.
- 蓮 Renこの衣類は寄付しますか？kono iruī wa kifu shimasu ka?Are we donating these garments?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、全部寄付しましょう。hai, zenbu kifu shimashō.Yes, let's donate all of them.
- 蓮 Ren袋にまとめますね。fukuro ni matomemasu ne.I'll put them in a bag.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、蓮さん。arigatō, Ren-san.Thank you, Ren.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 衣類, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
