Learning how to say “to wear” in Japanese can be a handy skill, whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, interested in the language, or simply want to broaden your vocabulary. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this action. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “To Wear”
When speaking in a formal context, such as with strangers, colleagues, or seniors, it’s important to use polite expressions. Here are a few ways to say “to wear” formally:
1. 着（き）る (kiru) – The most common and general verb for “to wear” in Japanese. Used with most clothing items or accessories.
Example: 私は赤いドレスを着ます。Watashi wa akai doresu o kimasu. (I will wear a red dress.)
2. 着（つ）ける (tsukeru) – Used specifically for putting on accessories like hats, scarves, or glasses.
Example: 彼は帽子を被（かぶ）ります。Kare wa bōshi o kaburimasu. (He will wear a hat.)
3. 履（は）く (haku) – Specifically used for footwear like shoes, sandals, or boots.
Example: 私は靴を履（は）きます。Watashi wa kutsu o hakimasu. (I will wear shoes.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “To Wear”
When communicating with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more relaxed and informal expressions to say “to wear.” Here are a few commonly used ones:
1. 着（き）る (kiru) – Same as the formal version, but used in a casual setting.
Example: 今日はジーパンを履（は）くよ。Kyō wa jīpan o haku yo. (I’ll wear jeans today.)
2. つける (tsukeru) – Also used casually for accessories or wearables.
Example: この帽子かわいいから、つけてみて。Kono bōshi kawaii kara, tsukete mite. (Try wearing this cute hat.)
3. Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken differently across various regions, and there may be slight variations in vocabulary. However, the words mentioned above are commonly used throughout Japan, so you need not worry about specific regional variations when saying “to wear.”
4. Tips for Using “To Wear” in Japanese
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these expressions:
- Pay attention to sentence structure. In Japanese, the verb typically comes at the end of the sentence, so make sure to place the verb after the object.
- Politeness matters. If you want to sound more formal or polite, use “kimasu” or “hakimasu” instead of “kiru” or “haku.”
- Listen and imitate. To improve your pronunciation, listen carefully to native speakers and try to imitate their intonation and rhythm.
- Practice with flashcards. Create flashcards with clothing items, accessories, and verbs for practice. This will help reinforce your memory.
- Use online resources. Online language learning platforms, such as Duolingo or Memrise, can also be valuable tools for practicing vocabulary and grammar.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep practicing consistently. With time, you’ll become more comfortable using these expressions in different contexts.
So whether you’re getting ready for a special occasion or simply want to talk about your favorite outfit, you now have the knowledge to express “to wear” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Enjoy your language learning journey!
