シャツ
shatsu[ɕa̠t͡sɨ]
The Japanese word for shirt is シャツ (shatsu). Wiktionary also lists ワイシャツ (waishatsu).
Meaning: article of clothing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| シャツ | shatsu | [ɕa̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| ワイシャツ | waishatsu | [β̞a̠iɕa̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
シャツ is the general term used for a shirt in Japanese. ワイシャツ is used specifically to refer to a formal dress shirt, typically one worn with a suit.
What does it mean word for word?
The term ワイシャツ originates from a corruption of the English phrase 'white shirt', which eventually became the standard name for a formal dress shirt in Japan.
Which one should you use?
While シャツ refers to shirts in general, ワイシャツ is specifically used for button-down dress shirts worn in professional or formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
shatsu
Did you know?
- Even if a ワイシャツ is blue, pink or striped, it is still called a ワイシャツ. The term shifted from meaning 'white shirt' to describing the style of a formal dress shirt regardless of color.
Examples in context
- シャツ、裏返しよ。Your shirt is inside out.This sentence shows how to point out that a シャツ is inside out.Tatoeba #215873 by small_snow, translation #53174 by CK
- シャツの色は何色？What color is your shirt?This sentence is useful for asking about the color of a シャツ.Tatoeba #11795609 by small_snow, translation #10758984 by ddnktr
- シャツの替えがない。I don't have a spare shirt.This sentence demonstrates how to mention not having a spare シャツ.Tatoeba #384720 by bunbuku, translation #384721 by CK
- ビジネスの場では、ワイシャツが必要です。In a business setting, a dress shirt is necessary.
- このシャツはカジュアルすぎます。This shirt is too casual.
- 今日、かわいいブラウスを買ったよ。I bought a cute blouse today.
- 179 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are getting ready to go out.
- 陽太 Yotaこの白いシャツ、どこにある？Kono shiroi shatsu, doko ni aru?Where is this white shirt?
- 陽葵 Himari洗濯機の中に入っているよ。Sentakuki no naka ni haitte iru yo.It is in the washing machine.
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。別のシャツを着よう。Hontō da. Betsu no shatsu o kiyō.You're right. I'll wear a different shirt.
- 陽葵 Himari青いシャツが似合うと思うよ。Aoi shatsu ga niau to omou yo.I think the blue shirt would look good on you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shirt” translations and entries シャツ, ワイシャツ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries シャツ, ワイシャツ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
