ポケット
poketto[po̞ke̞t̚to̞]
The English phrase 'pocket' can be translated into Japanese as ポケット (poketto). Wiktionary also lists 懐中 (kaichū).
Meaning: bag stitched to an item of clothing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ポケット | poketto | [po̞ke̞t̚to̞] (narrow) |
| 懐中 | kaichū | [ka̠it͡ɕɨː] (narrow) |
The loanword ポケット is the standard term used in everyday conversation when referring to the pockets on trousers, jackets or bags.
Which one should you use?
While ポケット is the common loanword for a clothing pocket, 懐中 is a more formal or literary term used in compounds to mean 'in the pocket' or 'carried on one's person.'
How do you pronounce it?
poketto
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'pocket' in 懐中, specifically 懐, is also used in words related to 'heart' or 'emotions', such as 懐かしい meaning 'nostalgic'.
- Because traditional clothes had no pockets, Japanese people historically carried small pouches called 巾着 (kinchaku) tied to their waist belts.
- The word 懐中 literally translates to 'inside the bosom of a garment', reflecting how ancient clothing was held close to the chest.
Examples in context
- ポケット判の方が安い。The pocket edition is cheaper.This sentence is useful for discussing a pocket edition using ポケット.Tatoeba #8663695 by small_snow, translation #7826207 by AlanF_US
- 君のポケットの中だよ。It's in your pocket.This sentence is useful for stating that something is in a pocket using ポケット.Tatoeba #9308449 by small_snow, translation #2647653 by CK
- 携帯はポケットの中よ。My phone is in my pocket.This sentence is useful for stating that a phone is in a pocket using ポケット.Tatoeba #11072615 by small_snow, translation #10147191 by ddnktr
- このシャツにはポケットが一つあります。This shirt has one pocket.
- 財布をバッグのポケットに入れました。I put my wallet in the pocket of my bag.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are looking for a lost key.
- 美咲 Misaki鍵はどこにあるかな？Kagi wa doko ni aru kana?I wonder where the key is?
- 陽太 Yotaポケットの中にあるよ。Poketto no naka ni aru yo.It is in your pocket.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ！あった。Hontou da! Atta.You're right! I found it.
- 陽太 Yotaよかったね。Yokatta ne.I'm glad you found it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pocket” translations and entries ポケット, 懐中, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ポケット, 懐中, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
