リサイクルショップ
risaikuru shoppu
The English phrase 'thrift store' is translated into Japanese as リサイクルショップ (risaikuru shoppu).
Japanese speakers use the katakana loanword リサイクルショップ to refer to these establishments.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a loanword from English, literally meaning 'recycle shop'.
Which one should you use?
If you are specifically looking for a thrift store that focuses on secondhand clothing rather than household goods, use 古着屋.
How do you pronounce it?
risaikuru shoppu
Did you know?
- Japanese society has a unique concept called もったいない 'mottainai', which expresses regret when something is wasted, fueling the massive popularity of リサイクルショップ.
- While リサイクルショップ are common, some high-end secondhand stores use the word リユース 'reuse' to sound more sophisticated and avoid the association with waste.
- The word 古着 (furugi) literally translates to 'old clothes', but in a modern fashion context, it can carry a sense of prestige and style rather than just being used items.
Examples in context
- 私はいつも 古着屋 でお買い物をします。I always shop at thrift stores.
- 近くにリサイクルショップがあります。Chikaku ni risaikuru shoppu ga arimasu.There is a thrift store nearby.
- リサイクルショップで古い本を買いました。Risaikuru shoppu de furui hon o kaimashita.I bought an old book at a thrift store.
- あのリサイクルショップはとても安いです。Ano risaikuru shoppu wa totemo yasui desu.That thrift store is very cheap.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about shopping for furniture.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、リサイクルショップに行かない？Yui, risaikuru shoppu ni ikanai?Yui, do you want to go to the thrift store?
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。何を探しているの？ii desu ne. nani o sagashite iru no?That sounds good. What are you looking for?
- 蓮 Ren安い棚を探しています。yasui tana o sagashite imasu.I'm looking for a cheap shelf.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、駅前の店に行きましょう。jaa, ekimae no mise ni ikimashou.Then, let's go to the store in front of the station.
