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B1 noun 10 min de lecture

押し入れ

oshiire
Exemples 押し入れ en 30 secondes
Explication 押し入れ in your Level:
At the A1 level, you just need to know that **oshiire** is a Japanese word for 'closet.' In Japan, houses have special closets for beds called futons. These closets are called oshiire. They have sliding doors made of wood and paper. You can say 'Oshiire ni shimau' to mean 'Put it in the closet.' It is a very common word because every house has one. Think of it as a big box built into the wall where you hide your things. Most Japanese children know this word because they might hide inside it when playing! If you see a room with tatami mats (straw mats), there will almost always be an oshiire there. Just remember: it is a place for things, not for people to live in, although characters like Doraemon might sleep there!
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At the A2 level, you should understand that **oshiire** specifically refers to a traditional Japanese closet with sliding doors (fusuma). It is different from a Western 'closet' (kurozetto). You will often use the particle 'ni' with this word, such as 'Oshiire ni futon o iremasu' (I put the futon in the closet). You should also know that an oshiire usually has two levels: a top part and a bottom part. This word is very important when talking about your daily routine, like waking up and putting your bed away. You might also hear it when you are looking for things at a friend's house. It is a noun, so you can describe it with adjectives like 'hiroi' (spacious) or 'semai' (narrow). For example, 'Kono oshiire wa totemo hiroi desu' (This closet is very spacious).
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using **oshiire** in various contexts, including describing your living situation or organizing a room. You should know the related verbs like 'katazukeru' (to tidy up) and 'dasu' (to take out). It's important to understand the cultural nuance: the oshiire is the reason why Japanese rooms can look so empty and clean—everything is hidden inside! You should also be aware of the physical characteristics, such as the 'naka-dana' (middle shelf) which divides the space. In a B1 conversation, you might discuss the problems of an oshiire, such as 'kabi' (mold) during the rainy season. You can use phrases like 'Oshiire no oku ni' (In the back of the closet) to be more specific about where things are located. This level requires distinguishing between an oshiire and a Western kurozetto based on the room's style.
At the B2 level, you can use **oshiire** in more complex sentences and understand its role in Japanese architecture. You should be able to explain the difference between 'oshiire,' 'nando' (storage room), and 'shuunou' (general storage) to others. You might use the word when discussing real estate features or interior design. At this level, you should also know the verb 'oshiireru' (to push in) from which the noun is derived. You can talk about the efficiency of Japanese space-saving techniques, mentioning how the oshiire allows for multi-purpose rooms. For example, 'Oshiire o katsuyou shite, heya o hiroku miseru' (By utilizing the closet, I make the room look wider). You should also be familiar with the term 'tenbukuro' for the small storage space above the oshiire.
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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of the **oshiire**'s place in Japanese history and modern society. You can discuss how the transition from traditional 'washitsu' to Western 'youshitsu' has changed the way storage is designed in Japanese homes. You might analyze the 'oshiire' as a symbol of the Japanese lifestyle—its focus on the floor (sleeping on futons) versus the Western focus on furniture (beds). You should be able to use technical terms like 'ken' (a unit of measurement) to describe the size of an oshiire and discuss the preservation of traditional items like 'fusuma' (sliding doors). You can also use the word in literary or metaphorical contexts if they appear in advanced texts, though the word remains primarily literal. Your vocabulary should include related concepts like 'mushiboshi' (airing out items to prevent mold).
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of **oshiire** and its architectural variations. You can engage in deep discussions about the evolution of Japanese domestic space, from the Muromachi period's 'shoin-zukuri' to contemporary 'minimalist' trends that re-imagine the oshiire for modern electronics or home offices (a trend sometimes called 'oshiire-desuku' or closet-desk). You understand the structural components intimately—the 'shiki-fuku' (threshold and lintel), the 'kazari-dana' (decorative shelves), and how the oshiire integrates with the 'tokonoma' (alcove) in high-end traditional architecture. You can navigate complex real estate contracts that specify storage volumes and discuss the sociological implications of storage habits in dense urban environments like Tokyo.
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Exemples

押し入れ en 30 secondes

  • Oshiire is a traditional Japanese built-in closet with sliding doors, specifically designed for storing futons and large household items in tatami rooms.
  • The word comes from 'oshi' (push) and 'ire' (put in), reflecting the action of stuffing bedding into the deep, two-tiered storage space.
  • Unlike Western closets, it lacks hanging rails and is much deeper (around 90cm), making it suitable for stacked items rather than hanging garments.
  • It is a cultural icon in Japan, famous as the sleeping quarters of Doraemon and a common hiding spot for children playing games.

The Japanese word 押し入れ (oshiire) refers to a traditional Japanese-style closet, a quintessential feature of washitsu (Japanese-style rooms) that has evolved over centuries to maximize space in the Japanese home. Unlike the Western 'closet' which often features hinged doors and hanging rails for garments on hangers, the oshiire is specifically designed with sliding doors, known as fusuma, and is primarily intended for the storage of futon (bedding), floor cushions, and seasonal items. The name itself is a compound noun derived from the verb 押し入れる (oshiireru), which literally means 'to push in' and 'to put in.' This reflects the physical action of folding a heavy futon and pushing it into the deep, spacious cavity of the storage unit.

Architectural Structure
A standard oshiire is typically one 'ken' wide (about 180cm) and divided horizontally by a sturdy wooden shelf called a naka-dana (middle shelf). This division creates two main compartments: the lower section for heavy items or daily-use futons, and the upper section for bedding. Above the main oshiire, there is often a smaller, separate compartment near the ceiling called a tenbukuro, used for long-term storage of items rarely accessed.
Cultural Significance
In Japanese pop culture, the oshiire is famously known as the bedroom of the robotic cat Doraemon. This highlights a common childhood experience in Japan—using the deep, dark, and cozy space of the oshiire as a secret base (himitsu kichi) or a place to hide during games. Because Japanese rooms are often multi-purpose, the ability to 'push' the bed away into the oshiire during the day transforms a bedroom into a living or dining area, embodying the Japanese value of spatial flexibility.

朝起きたら、布団を畳んで押し入れにしまいます。(When I wake up in the morning, I fold the futon and put it away in the closet.)

The depth of an oshiire is its most defining characteristic, usually measuring around 90cm. This depth is necessary to accommodate a folded Japanese futon. In modern Japanese apartments, even those without tatami mats, developers often include an oshiire-style storage space because it offers significantly more volume than a standard Western closet. However, because these spaces are deep and enclosed by paper or cloth-covered sliding doors, they are prone to humidity and mold (kabi). Consequently, Japanese households frequently use sumi (charcoal) or chemical dehumidifiers and periodically open the doors to 'air out' the contents, a practice known as mushiboshi.

押し入れの奥に古いアルバムを見つけた。(I found an old album in the back of the closet.)

Historically, the oshiire appeared during the Muromachi period as architecture shifted toward the shoin-zukuri style. Before this, bedding was often just kept in corners or chests. As the lifestyle of sleeping on tatami became standardized, the need for a dedicated, integrated storage space for bedding led to the creation of the oshiire. Today, it remains a vital component of the Japanese 'minimalist' aesthetic, allowing a room to remain completely empty of furniture while still housing all the necessities of life behind its discreet sliding panels.

Using 押し入れ (oshiire) correctly in Japanese requires understanding the verbs typically associated with storage and organization. Because the oshiire is a physical container, it most frequently takes the particles に (ni) to indicate destination or location, and を (o) when it is the direct object of an action like cleaning or opening.

Common Verb Pairings
  • しまう (shimau): To put away/store. This is the most common verb. "Oshiire ni shimau" (Put it in the closet).
  • 出す (dasu): To take out. "Oshiire kara futon o dasu" (Take the futon out of the closet).
  • 片付ける (katazukeru): To tidy up. "Oshiire no naka o katazukeru" (Tidy up the inside of the closet).
  • 詰め込む (tsumekomu): To stuff/cram. Given the depth of an oshiire, people often stuff things into the back.

使わない荷物は全部押し入れに突っ込んでおいた。(I shoved all the unused luggage into the closet.)

When describing the location of an object within the closet, you use positional nouns like oku (back/deep part), temae (front part), ue (top), and shita (bottom). Because of the middle shelf, you might say "oshiire no joudan" (upper tier) or "oshiire no gedan" (lower tier). These distinctions are crucial when giving directions to someone looking for something in your home.

扇風機は押し入れの上の段にありますよ。(The electric fan is on the top shelf of the closet.)

In a broader grammatical context, oshiire functions as a standard noun. However, it is rarely used in a metaphorical sense, unlike the English word 'closet' (which can refer to secrets or sexual orientation). In Japanese, the term closet in the sense of 'coming out' is usually borrowed from English or expressed via different idioms. Oshiire remains very much a literal, physical storage space. When you are looking for an apartment (room hunting), you will see oshiire listed in floor plans as 押入 (the shortened kanji form).

この部屋は押し入れが広いので、収納には困りません。(This room has a large closet, so we won't have trouble with storage.)

You will encounter the word 押し入れ (oshiire) in a variety of daily life scenarios in Japan, ranging from mundane household chores to professional real estate transactions. Understanding the context of these situations will help you grasp the cultural nuances of Japanese living spaces.

Scenario 1: At Home with Family
The most frequent place to hear this word is within the family home. Parents will often tell children to 'put your toys back in the oshiire' or 'get the guest futons out of the oshiire.' During seasonal changes (koromogae), the oshiire becomes the center of activity as heavy winter blankets are swapped for light summer sheets. You'll hear phrases like "Oshiire no seiri o shinakucha" (I have to organize the closet).
Scenario 2: Real Estate and Moving
When viewing apartments with a realtor (fudousan-ya), they will point out the storage capacity. They might say, "Kokoro no oshiire wa fukai desu yo" (The closet here is deep). In floor plans (madori), you will see the kanji 押入. Real estate agents emphasize oshiire because, in small Japanese apartments, efficient storage is a major selling point.
Scenario 3: Pop Culture and Media
In anime and manga, the oshiire often serves as a plot device. Characters hide in them, sleep in them (like Doraemon), or find mysterious items in them. In horror movies (like Ju-On), the oshiire is a classic place for ghosts to reside, playing on the universal fear of the dark space behind the closet door.

不動産屋：こちらの和室には、一畳分の大きな押し入れが付いています。(Realtor: This Japanese-style room comes with a large one-tatami-mat-sized closet.)

You will also hear the word in the context of cleaning and DIY home improvement. Stores like Nitori or IKEA in Japan sell specific 'oshiire organizers' (oshiire-yūno)—shelves and drawers designed to fit the specific 90cm depth of an oshiire. In these stores, you'll hear staff and customers discussing how to fit plastic bins into the oshiire to prevent it from becoming a 'black hole' of lost items.

子供の頃、よく押し入れの中で隠れんぼをして遊んだ。(When I was a kid, I often played hide-and-seek inside the closet.)

While the concept of a 'closet' seems universal, Japanese has specific words for different types of storage. A common mistake for English speakers is using 押し入れ (oshiire) to describe every type of storage space in a house.

Mistake 1: Oshiire vs. Kurozetto
The most frequent error is calling a Western-style closet an oshiire. A kurozetto (クローゼット) usually has a bar for hanging clothes on hangers and is found in Western-style rooms (youshitsu). If you tell someone to put a coat in the oshiire, they might be confused because an oshiire typically lacks a hanging rail. Conversely, calling an oshiire a kurozetto is technically understood but sounds architecturally 'off' to a native speaker.
Mistake 2: Oshiire vs. Monooki
Another mistake is confusing oshiire with monooki (物置). A monooki is usually an external storage shed or a dedicated storage room for miscellaneous items like tools or bicycles. An oshiire is an integrated part of a room's interior wall. Using monooki for the closet inside your bedroom makes it sound like you live in a warehouse!

❌ コートを押し入れに掛けてください。
✅ コートをクローゼットに掛けてください。
(Please hang your coat in the [Western] closet.)

Grammatically, learners sometimes forget that oshiire is a noun and treat it like a verb because of its components (oshi + ire). You cannot say 'oshiire-shimasu' to mean 'I will store it.' You must use a verb like shimau or ireru. Also, be careful with the kanji. While 押入れ is common, some learners mistakenly write 教え入れ (oshi-e-ire, which would mean 'teaching-put-in'), which is a phonetically similar but nonsensical mistake.

❌ 押し入れする。
✅ 押し入れに荷物を入れる。
(I will put the luggage in the closet.)

To truly master Japanese spatial vocabulary, you should understand how 押し入れ (oshiire) compares to its synonyms and related terms. Each word carries a different nuance regarding the style, location, and purpose of the storage.

クローゼット (Kurozetto)
Difference: Western-style. Usually has a pole for hangers. Doors often swing open or fold (bi-fold). Found in rooms with wooden or carpeted floors.
Usage: "Kurozetto ni fuku o kakeru" (Hang clothes in the closet).
収納 (Shuunou)
Difference: A general term for 'storage' or 'storage space.' It is more formal and used often in real estate or interior design. It can refer to cupboards, closets, or even drawers.
Usage: "Kono manshon wa shuunou ga ooi" (This apartment has plenty of storage).
納戸 (Nando)
Difference: A small storage room or a walk-in storage area. Unlike an oshiire, which is a built-in cabinet in a room, a nando is often a separate, windowless small room used for large items or as a pantry.
Usage: "Tsukawanai kagu wa nando ni oitearu" (Unused furniture is kept in the storage room).
天袋 (Tenbukuro)
Difference: Specifically the small cupboards located above the oshiire, near the ceiling. They have their own small sliding doors.
Usage: "Tenbukuro ni o-shougatsu no kazari o shimau" (Put the New Year's decorations in the top cupboard).

「押し入れ」は主に布団用、「クローゼット」は主に洋服用です。("Oshiire" is mainly for futons, while "closet" is mainly for Western clothes.)

In modern interior design, you might also hear Wōku-in kurōzetto (Walk-in closet) or Pansurī (Pantry). However, for anyone living in a traditional or semi-traditional Japanese home, oshiire remains the most important word for the primary storage hub of the household. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate a Japanese home and communicate clearly with roommates, family, or real estate agents.

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Exemples par niveau

1

これは押し入れです。

This is a closet.

Simple identification using 'desu'.

2

押し入れに布団があります。

There is a futon in the closet.

Using 'ni' for location.

3

押し入れは大きいです。

The closet is big.

Adjective 'ookii' describing a noun.

4

押し入れを開けます。

I open the closet.

Transitive verb 'akemasu'.

5

押し入れを閉めます。

I close the closet.

Transitive verb 'shimemasu'.

6

ドラえもんは押し入れで寝ます。

Doraemon sleeps in the closet.

Using 'de' for the location of an action.

7

押し入れに荷物を入れます。

I put luggage in the closet.

Verb 'iremasu' (to put in).

8

きれいな押し入れですね。

It's a clean closet, isn't it?

Adjective 'kirei' + 'ne' for agreement.

1

布団を畳んで、押し入れにしまいました。

I folded the futon and put it in the closet.

Te-form for sequence of actions.

2

押し入れの中は暗いです。

The inside of the closet is dark.

Using 'naka' (inside) as a noun modifier.

3

そのおもちゃは押し入れにありますか？

Is that toy in the closet?

Question form with 'arimasu ka'.

4

押し入れの下の段に靴があります。

There are shoes on the bottom shelf of the closet.

Using 'shita no dan' for the lower tier.

5

古い服を全部押し入れから出しました。

I took all the old clothes out of the closet.

Using 'kara' (from) for origin.

6

私の部屋には押し入れが二つあります。

There are two closets in my room.

Counter 'hitotsu/futatsu' for objects.

7

押し入れの戸をゆっくり開けてください。

Please open the closet door slowly.

Using 'te kudasai' for requests.

8

押し入れに何を隠しましたか？

What did you hide in the closet?

Verb 'kakushimasu' (to hide).

1

押し入れが一杯なので、もう何も入りません。

The closet is full, so nothing else will fit.

Using 'node' for reason/cause.

2

湿気が多いので、押し入れに除湿剤を置きました。

Because it's humid, I put a dehumidifier in the closet.

Noun 'shikki' (humidity) + 'okimashita'.

3

押し入れの奥の方に、昔のアルバムが眠っています。

Old albums are 'sleeping' (stored) in the back of the closet.

Metaphorical use of 'nemuru' (to sleep).

4

引越しの前に、押し入れの整理をしなければなりません。

I have to organize the closet before moving.

Using 'nakereba narimasen' for obligation.

5

押し入れの棚が壊れてしまったので、直しました。

The closet shelf broke, so I fixed it.

Te-form + 'shimau' for regret/completion.

6

このアパートは押し入れが広いのが魅力です。

The charm of this apartment is the wide closet.

Using 'no' to nominalize the sentence.

7

扇風機を押し入れにしまう時期になりました。

It's time to put the fan away in the closet.

Noun + 'ni naru' for becoming/time for.

8

押し入れの中に隠れて、弟を驚かせました。

I hid in the closet and surprised my brother.

Te-form for means/sequence.

1

押し入れのスペースを有効に活用するために、収納ボックスを買った。

I bought storage boxes to utilize the closet space effectively.

Using 'tame ni' for purpose.

2

和室を洋室にリフォームして、押し入れをクローゼットに変えた。

I renovated the Japanese room into a Western room and changed the oshiire into a closet.

Verb 'kaeru' (to change).

3

天袋には、めったに使わない重い荷物を入れている。

I keep heavy luggage that I rarely use in the top cupboard.

Adverb 'metta ni' + negative verb.

4

押し入れの襖を張り替えるのは、意外と重労働だ。

Changing the paper on the closet doors is surprisingly hard work.

Using 'no wa' to discuss an activity.

5

湿気対策として、天気のいい日は押し入れを開け放しておく。

As a countermeasure against humidity, I leave the closet open on sunny days.

Verb 'akehanasu' + 'te oku' (in preparation).

6

押し入れの奥から、忘れていたへそくりが出てきた。

My secret stashed money that I'd forgotten about came out from the back of the closet.

Noun 'hesokuri' (secret savings).

7

子供の成長に合わせて、押し入れの中を改造して勉強机にした。

As the child grew, I modified the inside of the closet into a study desk.

Using 'ni awasete' (in accordance with).

8

押し入れに詰め込みすぎると、襖がスムーズに閉まらなくなる。

If you stuff too much in the closet, the doors won't close smoothly.

Conditional 'to' for natural consequences.

1

日本の住宅事情において、押し入れは限られた空間を多目的に使うための知恵の結晶だ。

In the context of Japanese housing, the oshiire is the culmination of wisdom for using limited space for multiple purposes.

Formal 'ni oite' (in/regarding).

2

押し入れの奥深くに眠る家宝の壺を、鑑定に出すことにした。

I decided to have the family heirloom vase, which was lying deep in the closet, appraised.

Deciding on an action using 'koto ni suru'.

3

伝統的な日本家屋では、押し入れの配置が部屋の格式を左右することもある。

In traditional Japanese houses, the placement of the oshiire can sometimes influence the prestige of the room.

Verb 'sayuu suru' (to influence/control).

4

押し入れの中の湿気によるカビの発生は、木造建築における永遠の課題と言える。

The occurrence of mold due to humidity inside the closet can be called an eternal challenge in wooden architecture.

Using 'to ieru' (can be said that).

5

最近では、押し入れをあえて作らず、オープンな収納スペースを好む若者も増えている。

Recently, an increasing number of young people prefer open storage spaces, intentionally not building oshiire.

Using 'aete' (daringly/intentionally).

6

押し入れの襖の柄一つとっても、その家の住人のこだわりが垣間見える。

Even just from the pattern on the closet doors, one can catch a glimpse of the resident's personal taste.

Using 'totto mo' (even just taking...).

7

大掃除の際、押し入れの全容量を把握していない自分に愕然とした。

During spring cleaning, I was appalled at how I didn't grasp the full capacity of my own closet.

Noun 'gakuzen' (appalled/shocked).

8

押し入れという閉鎖的な空間は、文学作品においてしばしば心理的な隠れ家として描かれる。

The enclosed space of the oshiire is often depicted as a psychological sanctuary in literary works.

Passive voice 'egakureru' (is depicted).

1

押し入れの構造的起源を辿れば、中世の納戸から近世の書院造りへの変遷が見て取れる。

Tracing the structural origins of the oshiire, one can observe the transition from medieval storage rooms to early modern Shoin-style architecture.

Using 'mite toreru' (can be observed/discerned).

2

都市部の極小住宅において、押し入れのデッドスペースをいかに排除するかが建築家の腕の見せ所だ。

In micro-housing in urban areas, how to eliminate dead space in the oshiire is where an architect shows their skill.

Idiom 'ude no mise-dokoro' (place to show one's skill).

3

押し入れの襖に施された金碧画は、かつての武家屋敷の権威を今に伝える貴重な文化財である。

The gold-and-blue paintings on the closet doors are precious cultural assets that convey the authority of former samurai residences to the present day.

Formal relative clause modifying 'bunka-zai'.

4

ミニマリズムの極致として、押し入れの中に全ての生活機能を収斂させる試みがなされている。

As the height of minimalism, attempts are being made to converge all living functions within the oshiire.

Noun 'shuuren' (convergence) + passive 'nasarete iru'.

5

押し入れという空間が日本人の深層心理に与える影響について、民俗学的な見地から考察する。

I will examine the influence that the space known as the oshiire has on the deep psychology of the Japanese people from a folkloristic perspective.

Formal 'ni tsuite' and 'kenchi kara' (from a perspective).

6

長年放置された押し入れの奥底には、その家の歴史が地層のように積み重なっている。

In the depths of a closet left untouched for years, the history of the family is piled up like geological strata.

Simile using 'no you ni' (like).

7

押し入れの通気性を確保するための建築的工夫が、現代の住宅設計にも継承されている。

Architectural techniques for ensuring the ventilation of the oshiire are inherited in modern housing design.

Passive 'keishou sarete iru' (is inherited).

8

押し入れを単なる収納と見なすか、空間の余白と見なすかで、住環境の質は劇的に変化する。

Whether one views the oshiire as mere storage or as a spatial margin, the quality of the living environment changes dramatically.

Using 'ka ... ka de' (depending on whether X or Y).

Collocations courantes

押し入れにしまう
押し入れから出す
押し入れが広い
押し入れの奥
押し入れの整理
押し入れの襖
一畳の押し入れ
押し入れのカビ
押し入れデスク
押し入れの中

Phrases Courantes

押し入れに突っ込む

— To shove or cram things into the closet. Suggests a lack of organization.

急な来客で、荷物を押し入れに突っ込んだ。

押し入れで寝る

— To sleep in the closet. Often a joke or reference to Doraemon.

子供の頃、よく押し入れで寝ていた。

押し入れの肥やし

— Something that sits in the closet and is never used (lit. 'closet fertilizer').

あの高い服も、今では押し入れの肥やしだ。

押し入れを空にする

— To empty out the closet completely.

引越しのために押し入れを空にした。

押し入れに隠れる

— To hide in the closet.

かくれんぼで押し入れに隠れた。

押し入れがパンパン

— The closet is bursting/overstuffed.

押し入れがパンパンで閉まらない。

押し入れを改造する

— To renovate or modify the closet.

押し入れを改造してクローゼットにした。

押し入れの段

— The shelf/tier of the closet.

上の段に毛布がある。

押し入れの湿気

— Closet humidity.

押し入れの湿気がひどい。

押し入れを換気する

— To ventilate the closet.

たまには押し入れを換気したほうがいい。

Expressions idiomatiques

"押し入れの肥やし"

— Items bought but never used, just sitting in storage.

買ったばかりの健康器具が、もう押し入れの肥やしになっている。

Informal
"ドラえもんの寝床"

— Referring to an oshiire as a 'Doraemon's bed.'

ここはドラえもんの寝床みたいだね。

Playful
"開かずの押し入れ"
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