靴
kutsu[kɯ̟̊t͡sɨ]
The Japanese word for "shoe" is 靴 (kutsu). If unsure, use 靴. Wiktionary also lists シューズ (shūzu).
Meaning: protective covering for the foot (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 靴 | kutsu | [kɯ̟̊t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| シューズ | shūzu | [ɕɨːzɨ] (narrow) |
The word refers to a protective covering for the foot. When expressing the action of wearing shoes, use the collocation 靴を履く (kutsu o haku).
Which one should you use?
靴 (kutsu) is the standard Japanese word for shoes. In contrast, シューズ (shūzu) is a loanword often used in the contexts of fashion, sports or when referring to specific footwear like running shoes. Additionally, the term スニーカー (sunīkā) refers specifically to sneakers or sports shoes.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing the act of wearing shoes, you must use the verb 履く (haku).
How do you pronounce it?
kutsu
When do people say it?
It is standard practice in Japan to remove your shoes (靴を脱ぐ – kutsu o nugu) before entering a home or certain traditional establishments.
Did you know?
- There is a long-standing historical debate among linguists regarding whether 靴 is related to the Korean word gudu, or if the two words actually borrowed from one another.
- In Japanese, the verb used for wearing shoes, 履く (haku), is a specialized verb that is also used for other items worn on the lower body like trousers or skirts.
- Some traditional Japanese buildings have a genkan, a sunken entryway designed specifically as a transition zone for removing 靴.
Examples in context
- 靴のサイズはいくつ？What's your shoe size?This example shows how to ask about the size of 靴.Tatoeba #10675609 by bunbuku, translation #20131 by CK
- 靴に砂が入っちゃった。I have sand in my shoe.This example describes having sand inside 靴.Tatoeba #9932159 by Ninja, translation #7965219 by CK
- 彼は靴屋を経営している。He runs a shoe shop.This example mentions someone running a shop that sells 靴.Tatoeba #108077 by bunbuku, translation #295609 by CK
- 申し訳ありませんが、お客様の靴が見つかりませんでした。I'm sorry, but we couldn't find your shoes, sir/ma'am.
- この新しいスニーカーを見て！かっこいいでしょう？Look at these new sneakers! They're cool, aren't they?
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are arriving at a Japanese home.
- 美咲 Misakiここで靴を脱いでください。Koko de kutsu o nuide kudasai.Please take off your shoes here.
- 健太 Kentaわかりました。新しい靴です。Wakarimashita. Atarashii kutsu desu.I understand. These are new shoes.
- 美咲 Misakiきれいな靴ですね。Kireina kutsu desu ne.They are beautiful shoes.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます、美咲さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shoe” translations and entries 靴, シューズ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries シューズ, 靴, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
