袖
sode[so̞de̞]
The English word "sleeve" is translated into Japanese as 袖 (sode). Wiktionary also lists スリーブ (surību).
Meaning: part of a garment that covers the arm (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 袖 | sode | [so̞de̞] (narrow) |
| スリーブ | surību | [sɨɾʲiːbɯ̟] (narrow) |
The word refers to the part of a garment that covers the arm.
Which one should you use?
While 袖 is the native Japanese word for sleeve, the katakana loanword スリーブ is often used in fashion contexts or when referring to specific design elements like "puff sleeves".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for "short sleeves" is 半袖, which combines 半 (meaning half) with 袖. The word for "long sleeves" is 長袖, formed by combining 長 (meaning long) with 袖. Additionally, 袖口 specifically refers to the cuff or the sleeve opening.
How do you pronounce it?
sode
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese culture, the 袖 of a kimono was historically used as a makeshift pocket to carry small items like handkerchiefs and coins.
- In classical Japanese literature, the word 袖 (sode) is often used as a poetic metaphor for tears, because a person's sleeves would become soaked while crying.
- The word 袖 can be part of many idiomatic expressions regarding human relationships, such as 袖触れ合うも縁 which suggests that even a chance brushing of sleeves indicates a destined connection.
Examples in context
- 彼の袖を掴んだ。I grabbed him by the sleeve.This sentence is useful for practicing the form 袖 in a context of grabbing someone.Tatoeba #10085436 by small_snow, translation #9973963 by AlanF_US
- 半袖で来ればよかった。I should've worn a short-sleeve shirt.This sentence shows how to use 袖 when discussing short-sleeve clothing.Tatoeba #3147257 by tommy_san, translation #3329503 by CK
- 袖をまくってください。Roll up your sleeve, please.This sentence illustrates using 袖 when asking someone to roll up their sleeves.Tatoeba #9859646 by bunbuku, translation #2891822 by CK
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
The two are looking at a new shirt in a clothing store.
- 陽葵 Himariこのシャツは袖が少し長いね。Kono shatsu wa sode ga sukoshi nagai ne.The sleeves of this shirt are a bit long, aren't they?
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、少しまくって着る？Jaa, sukoshi makutte kiru?Then, will you roll them up a bit?
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね、その方がかっこいいかも。Sou da ne, sono hou ga kakkoii kamo.True, that might look cooler.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵に似合いそうだよ。Himari ni niaisou da yo.It looks like it would suit you, Himari.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sleeve” translations and entries 袖, スリーブ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
