きる
kiruverb, shirts and coats
Japanese has no single verb for "wear". In hiragana, use きる (kiru) for clothes on the upper body, such as shirts and coats. It is also called はく (haku) and かぶる (kaburu).
Meaning: to wear clothes (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| きる | kiru | verb, shirts and coats |
| はく | haku | verb, trousers and shoes |
| かぶる | kaburu | verb, hats |
| かける | kakeru | verb, glasses |
The verb changes with what you put on. はく (haku) is for trousers, skirts and shoes, かぶる (kaburu) is for hats and かける (kakeru) is for glasses.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say what someone is wearing now, use the -ている form: しろいシャツをきている (shiroi shatsu o kite iru) means is wearing a white shirt.
Did you know?
- Putting on a kimono is also きる (kiru), and the traditional dress is called きもの (kimono), literally the thing to wear.
Examples in context
- あついのでうすいふくをきます。Atsui node usui fuku o kimasu.It is hot, so I wear thin clothes.
- くろいくつをはいています。Kuroi kutsu o haite imasu.I am wearing black shoes.
- ぼうしをかぶってください。Bōshi o kabutte kudasai.Please wear a hat.
Example conversation
Mei and her Mother get ready for a rainy day.
- Meiおかあさん、なにをきればいい。Okāsan, nani o kireba ii.Mom, what should I wear?
- Motherあめだから、コートをきなさい。Ame dakara, kōto o kinasai.It is raining, so put on a coat.
- Meiうん、ながぐつもはくね。Un, nagagutsu mo haku ne.Okay, I will wear rain boots too.
