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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

上着

uwagi Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 上着 en 30 secondes

Explication 上着 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 上着 (uwagi) is introduced as a basic noun for clothing. Learners focus on the literal meaning 'jacket' or 'coat.' The primary goal is to use it with simple verbs like kiru (to wear) and nugu (to take off). You will use it to describe what you are wearing today or to ask someone to put on a coat because it is cold. It is often one of the first 20-30 nouns related to daily life that students learn. Sentences are short and usually follow the [Noun] + [Particle] + [Verb] structure, such as 'Uwagi o kimasu.' At this stage, learners don't need to worry about the nuances between 'jacket' and 'blazer,' as 上着 covers all of them comfortably. The focus is on physical identification and basic needs.

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At the A2 level (the level of this word), learners begin to use 上着 in more varied contexts, such as weather discussions and basic social interactions. You will learn to use adjectives to describe the jacket (e.g., 'blue jacket,' 'warm jacket'). You also start to use the ~te iru form to describe the state of wearing something: 'Tanaka-san wa kuroi uwagi o kite imasu' (Mr. Tanaka is wearing a black jacket). This level also introduces the concept of giving and receiving advice, such as 'Uwagi o motte itta hō ga ii desu' (You should take a jacket). Understanding 上着 as a category of 'outerwear' becomes important when distinguishing it from shirts or sweaters. You might also encounter it in simple shopping scenarios or when checking a coat at a counter.

At the B1 level, the use of 上着 moves into the realm of social etiquette and more complex grammar. You will learn about the 'Cool Biz' culture and why someone might say 'Uwagi o nugu' in a business setting. Grammar structures like ~temo ii desu (you may...) are paired with the word: 'Uwagi o nuide mo ii desu ka?' (May I take off my jacket?). You also start to notice the word in public announcements and written signs. The distinction between 上着 (general) and specific loanwords like jaketto or kōto becomes clearer. You might use it in a narrative to describe someone's appearance or in a workplace setting to follow dress code instructions. The focus shifts from just 'clothing' to 'appropriate attire for the situation.'

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At the B2 level, 上着 is used in professional and semi-formal contexts with ease. You understand the humble and honorific forms associated with it, such as o-uwagi. You can discuss the nuances of fashion or the practicalities of seasonal clothing changes in Japan (Koromogae). You might hear it in news reports about the economy (e.g., sales of winter jackets) or in more detailed descriptions of people in literature. At this stage, you are expected to understand the compound words and collocations, like uwagi no eri (jacket collar) or uwagi no pocket. You can also explain the difference between 上着 and more technical terms like jōi or traditional terms like haori. Your ability to use the word reflects a deeper understanding of Japanese social norms.

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At the C1 level, 上着 appears in advanced literature, technical manuals, and high-level social discourse. You might analyze how the choice of an 上着 in a novel reflects a character's social standing or emotional state. You understand the word's role in historical contexts, such as the transition from traditional Japanese dress to Western-style 'uwagi.' You can use the word in complex metaphorical senses or in very specific technical discussions (e.g., textile manufacturing or high-end tailoring). At this level, the word is a tool for precision. You might discuss the 'uwagi' as part of a uniform's symbolic power or in a legal/formal document regarding dress regulations. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of nuance and frequency.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 上着 and all its linguistic relatives. You can engage in academic discussions about the etymology of the word and its evolution within the Japanese language. You are familiar with obscure idioms or historical variations of the term. You can write sophisticated essays on Japanese culture where the 上着 serves as a focal point for discussing Westernization or social hierarchy. You understand the subtle differences in tone when a speaker chooses 上着 over jaketto in a speech. For a C2 learner, this word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a thread in the vast tapestry of the Japanese language that you can manipulate with poetic and rhetorical skill.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

上着 en 30 secondes

上着 (uwagi) is the general Japanese word for any jacket, coat, or outer garment worn on the upper body.
It is literally composed of the kanji for 'top' and 'wear,' making it easy to remember as 'top-wear.'
Essential verbs to use with it are 'kiru' (to put on) and 'nugu' (to take off).
It is commonly used in weather forecasts, business etiquette discussions, and daily clothing choices.

The Japanese word 上着 (uwagi) is a fundamental noun that every learner should master early in their journey. At its core, it refers to any garment worn over other clothing on the upper half of the body. While the most common English translations are 'jacket' or 'coat,' its usage in Japanese is slightly broader and more structural. The kanji themselves tell a clear story: 上 (uwa/ue) meaning 'above' or 'top,' and 着 (gi/kiru) meaning 'to wear' or 'clothing.' Therefore, it literally translates to 'top-wear.'

General Outerwear: In everyday conversation, if you are heading outside and it is chilly, you might grab your 上着. This could be a light windbreaker, a denim jacket, or a heavy winter coat. It is the generic term for the outermost layer.
The Suit Jacket: In a business context, 上着 specifically refers to the jacket portion of a suit (the 'suit jacket'). When a boss says you can take off your jacket in the office, they will use this word. It contrasts with the trousers (ズボン) or the shirt (ワイシャツ).

外は寒いので、上着を持って行ったほうがいいですよ。
(Soto wa samui node, uwagi o motte itta hō ga ii desu yo.)
It's cold outside, so you should take a jacket with you.

Understanding the scope of 上着 requires looking at what it is not. It is the direct antonym of 下着 (shitagi), which means underwear (literally 'under-wear'). While English speakers might distinguish heavily between a 'blazer,' a 'parka,' and a 'trench coat,' a Japanese speaker might categorize all of them as 上着 when speaking generally about layers. However, in modern Japanese, loanwords like ジャケット (jaketto) or コート (kōto) are also extremely common. 上着 remains the preferred term in formal instructions, signs (like in a cloakroom), and when referring to the concept of 'outerwear' as a category.

The 'Cool Biz' Context: During Japan's 'Cool Biz' campaign in the summer, many offices allow employees to work without their 上着 (suit jackets) to save energy on air conditioning. You will see signs saying 'No 上着 required.'

レストランの入り口で上着を預けました。
(Resutoran no iriguchi de uwagi o azukemashita.)
I checked my coat at the restaurant entrance.

In summary, use 上着 when you want to refer to the layer you put on top to stay warm or look formal. It is a versatile, polite, and essential noun for navigating daily life in Japan, from checking the weather to attending a business meeting.

Using 上着 correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and particles. Since it is a physical object you interact with, you will most often see it as the object of a sentence, marked by the particle を (o). The three most common actions associated with an 上着 are putting it on, taking it off, and carrying it.

Putting It On: 着る (Kiru): Because 上着 is worn on the torso, you must use the verb 着る (kiru). Do not confuse this with 履く (haku), which is used for items worn on the lower body like shoes or pants. Example: 上着を着てください (Please put on your jacket).
Taking It Off: 脱ぐ (Nugu): The verb for removing clothing is 脱ぐ (nugu). This applies to jackets, shirts, shoes, and even hats. Example: 暑いなら、上着を脱いでもいいですよ (If you're hot, you can take off your jacket).

急いでいたので、上着を裏返しに着てしまいました。
(Isoide ita node, uwagi o uragaeshi ni kite shimaimashita.)
I was in a hurry, so I accidentally put my jacket on inside out.

Another important aspect is describing the 上着. Because it is a noun, you can use adjectives directly: 厚い上着 (atsui uwagi - a thick coat) or 軽い上着 (karui uwagi - a light jacket). In a shopping context, you might ask for a specific size: この上着のMサイズはありますか？ (Do you have this jacket in size M?).

Checking or Leaving: 預ける (Azukeru) / 置く (Oku): In formal settings like hotels or theaters, you 'entrust' or 'check' your jacket using 預ける (azukeru). If you just leave it on a chair, you use 置く (oku). Example: クロークに上着を預けました (I checked my coat at the cloakroom).

その上着、とても似合っていますね。
(Sono uwagi, totemo niatte imasu ne.)
That jacket really suits you.

When talking about the weather, 上着 is the go-to word. Weather forecasters often say, 「明日は上着が必要な寒さになるでしょう」 (Tomorrow will be cold enough to require a jacket). This phrase '上着が必要' (uwagi ga hitsuyō) is a very common set phrase in Japan to describe the temperature transition during autumn and spring.

You will encounter the word 上着 in a variety of social and professional settings in Japan. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a signal for social etiquette and comfort. Here are the primary places where you will hear it used frequently.

In the Office (Business Etiquette): In Japanese business culture, wearing a jacket is often a sign of respect. However, in a meeting, a host might say, 「どうぞ、上着をお脱ぎください」 (Please, feel free to take off your jacket). This is a common courtesy to make guests feel comfortable, especially in warm weather. Hearing this allows you to relax your formal posture.
Weather Forecasts (Tenki Yohō): Japanese weather reports are very practical. Instead of just giving degrees, they often give clothing advice. You will hear: 「夜は冷え込むので、厚手の上着を持ってお出かけください」 (It will get cold at night, so please go out with a thick jacket). This helps people plan their day across Japan's distinct four seasons.

「上着をこちらでお預かりしましょうか？」
(Uwagi o kochira de oazukari shimashō ka?)
"Shall I take your coat for you here?" (Commonly heard at high-end restaurants or hotels)

At schools, teachers might tell students during recess, 「外に行くときは上着を着なさい」 (Wear your jacket when you go outside). In department stores (depāto), the staff in the clothing section will use 上着 to refer to various styles of outerwear before narrowing it down to specific types like kōto or buruzon. It is a very polite and standard way to refer to clothing.

Public Transportation Announcements: Occasionally, on trains or buses, you might hear reminders during the change of seasons: 「車内では上着の忘れ物にご注意ください」 (Please be careful not to leave your jacket behind in the train). People often take them off due to the heater and forget them on the luggage racks.

「明日は上着がいらないくらいの暖かさになるでしょう。」
(Ashita wa uwagi ga iranai kurai no atatakasa ni naru deshō.)
"Tomorrow it will be warm enough that you won't even need a jacket."

Lastly, in the fashion industry or tailoring, 上着 is the technical term for the top half of a two-piece outfit. If you go to a tailor to get a suit made, they will measure the 上着 (jacket) and the zubon (trousers) separately. This word is deeply embedded in the fabric of Japanese daily life, covering everything from basic survival against the cold to the highest levels of professional decorum.

While 上着 (uwagi) is a straightforward noun, English speakers often encounter a few pitfalls due to nuances in Japanese clothing verbs and the overlap with loanwords. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Verb for 'Wearing': The most frequent error is using haku (履く) instead of kiru (着る). In Japanese, verbs for 'wearing' change based on the body part. Since a jacket goes on the torso, you must use 着る. Using haku (reserved for legs/feet) would imply you are trying to step into your jacket like a pair of pants!
Mistake 2: Overusing 'Uwagi' for Specific Items: While 上着 is a great general term, if you are specifically talking about a 'hoodie' (pāka), a 'sweater' (sētā), or a 'cardigan' (kādegan), use those specific loanwords. Calling a thin sweater an 上着 isn't technically wrong, but it sounds a bit vague and old-fashioned in a casual fashion context.

❌ 上着をはきます。
✅ 上着を着ます。
(Correct: Kirimasu. Incorrect: Hakimasu.)

Another common confusion is between 上着 (uwagi) and コート (kōto). In English, we often use 'jacket' and 'coat' interchangeably, but in Japanese, a kōto is specifically for outdoors and is usually long or very heavy. An 上着 can be a blazer you wear inside an office. If you are at a restaurant and they ask to take your 'uwagi,' they mean your outer layer. If you call your light office blazer a 'kōto,' it will sound strange.

Mistake 3: Confusing 'Uwagi' with 'Shatsu': Some learners think 上着 means any 'top' (like a T-shirt). This is incorrect. A shirt is shatsu. 上着 is specifically the outer layer. You wouldn't call a T-shirt an 上着 unless you were using it as a jacket over another shirt.

❌ 暑いから上着（Tシャツ）を脱ぎます。
✅ 暑いからシャツを脱ぎます。
(Don't use 'uwagi' for a basic shirt or T-shirt.)

Finally, remember the polite forms. In a store, you might hear お上着 (o-uwagi). The addition of 'o' makes it more respectful. As a learner, you don't need to add 'o' to your own jacket, but you should recognize it when others refer to yours. Mixing up the levels of politeness (using 'o' for yourself) is a common 'humble-brag' error to avoid.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for clothing, largely due to the massive influx of English loanwords in the 20th century. While 上着 (uwagi) is the traditional and most general term, knowing its synonyms and specific alternatives will help you navigate fashion and daily life more effectively.

ジャケット (Jaketto): This is the direct loanword for 'jacket.' It is used almost identically to 上着 in casual and fashion contexts. However, jaketto often implies a specific style (like a leather jacket or a suit jacket) rather than the general category of 'outerwear.'
コート (Kōto): While an 上着 can be a light blazer, a kōto is strictly for heavy, outdoor use. Think trench coats, overcoats, or winter parkas. You usually take off a kōto as soon as you enter a building, whereas you might keep an 上着 on if it's part of your suit.

比較：
1. 寒いので上着を着る (General)
2. 冬なのでコートを着る (Heavy winter coat)
3. お洒落なジャケットを買う (Fashionable jacket)

Another interesting alternative is 羽織 (haori). In traditional Japanese clothing (kimono), the haori is the formal coat worn over the kimono. While you won't use this for modern western clothes, it occupies the same 'outer layer' conceptual space as 上着. In modern slang, young people might use アウター (autā), the loanword for 'outerwear,' especially when shopping online or reading fashion magazines.

ジャンパー (Janpā): This comes from 'jumper' but in Japan, it refers to a windbreaker or a casual zip-up jacket, often made of nylon. It is more casual than a standard 上着 and is often associated with sports or work uniforms.

「今日は上着ではなく、カーディガンにしました。」
(Today, instead of a jacket, I went with a cardigan.)

Lastly, consider 上衣 (jōi). This is a more technical or academic term for 'upper garment.' You might see it in medical contexts (hospital gowns) or martial arts (the top part of a karate-gi). For daily life, stick to 上着, but knowing these variations helps you understand the 'top vs. bottom' logic that Japanese uses to categorize almost everything we wear.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Before Western clothing became common in Japan, 'uwagi' referred to the outer kimono or haori. Now, it almost exclusively refers to Western-style jackets unless specified otherwise.

Guide de prononciation

UK u-wa-gi

US u-wa-gi

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'uwagi', the pitch typically starts low on 'u' and rises on 'wa', staying high or slightly dropping on 'gi' (LHH or LHL depending on dialect).

Rime avec

Usagi (rabbit) Mugi (barley/wheat) Kagi (key) Nagi (calm sea) Sugi (cedar) Tsugi (next) Yagi (goat) Hagi (clover)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'gi' as 'ji' (like 'magic'). It must be a hard 'g'.
Confusing it with 'usagi' (rabbit).
Stressing the 'wa' too heavily like English word stress.
Making the 'u' sound too much like 'you'. It should be a short, unrounded 'u'.
Pronouncing 'wa' as 'way'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji are basic (N5/N4 level) and very logical. Most beginners recognize them quickly.

Écriture 3/5

Writing '着' can be slightly tricky due to the number of strokes, but '上' is very easy.

Expression orale 1/5

Pronunciation is simple with no difficult phonemes for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Easy to hear, though beginners might occasionally confuse it with 'usagi' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

上 (up) 着る (to wear) 服 (clothes) 下 (down) 私 (I/me)

Apprends ensuite

ズボン (pants) 靴 (shoes) 帽子 (hat) ネクタイ (tie) 脱ぐ (to take off)

Avancé

羽織 (haori) 礼服 (formal wear) 着こなし (style/way of wearing) 裏地 (lining) 仕立て (tailoring)

Grammaire à connaître

Clothing Verbs (Torso)

上着を着る (Wear a jacket)

State of Wearing (~te iru)

彼は上着を着ている (He is wearing a jacket)

Giving Advice (~ta hō ga ii)

上着を持っていったほうがいい (You should take a jacket)

Removal Verb (General)

上着を脱ぐ (Take off a jacket)

Polite Prefix (o-)

お上着をお預かりします (I will take your jacket)

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Exemples par niveau

これは私の上着です。

This is my jacket.

Simple A is B structure (Desu).

上着を着ます。

I will put on a jacket.

Object marker 'o' + verb 'kiru'.

上着を脱ぎます。

I will take off my jacket.

Verb 'nugu' for removing clothes.

赤い上着ですね。

It's a red jacket, isn't it?

Adjective + Noun + Particle 'ne'.

上着はどこですか？

Where is the jacket?

Question word 'doko' (where).

上着を洗いました。

I washed the jacket.

Past tense of 'arau' (to wash).

新しい上着が欲しいです。

I want a new jacket.

Desire form '~ga hoshii'.

上着を貸してください。

Please lend me a jacket.

Request form '~te kudasai'.

寒くなったので、上着を着ました。

It got cold, so I put on a jacket.

Cause/Reason 'node'.

この上着はとても軽いです。

This jacket is very light.

Adjective 'karui' (light).

上着を持って行ったほうがいいですよ。

You should take a jacket with you.

Advice form '~ta hō ga ii'.

田中さんは黒い上着を着ています。

Mr. Tanaka is wearing a black jacket.

State of being '~te iru'.

あそこに上着を置いてください。

Please put your jacket over there.

Location marker 'ni' + 'oku' (to put).

上着のポケットに鍵があります。

The keys are in the jacket pocket.

Possessive 'no' + location.

もっと厚い上着が必要ですね。

You need a thicker jacket, don't you?

Comparative 'motto' + 'hitsuyō' (necessary).

その上着、とても似合っていますよ。

That jacket really suits you.

Verb 'ni-au' (to suit/match).

暑かったら、どうぞ上着を脱いでください。

If you are hot, please feel free to take off your jacket.

Conditional 'tara' + polite request.

クロークに上着を預けることができます。

You can check your coat at the cloakroom.

Potential form 'koto ga dekiru'.

この上着は、仕事でもプライベートでも使えます。

This jacket can be used for both work and private life.

Potential verb 'tsukaeru'.

急いで上着を羽織って外に出ました。

I quickly threw on a jacket and went outside.

Verb 'haoru' (to throw on/drape).

上着を忘れないように気をつけてください。

Please be careful not to forget your jacket.

Purpose clause '~nai yō ni'.

雨で上着がびしょ濡れになってしまった。

My jacket got soaking wet in the rain.

Regret/Completion '~te shimatta'.

上着をクリーニングに出す必要があります。

I need to take my jacket to the dry cleaners.

Noun 'cleaning' + 'ni dasu'.

どんな上着を着ていけばいいか迷っています。

I'm wondering what kind of jacket I should wear.

Embedded question + 'mayou' (to be undecided).

クールビズ期間中は、上着を着用しなくても構いません。

During the Cool Biz period, it is fine not to wear a jacket.

Formal 'chakuyō' (wearing) + 'kamawanai' (don't mind).

彼は上着の襟を立てて、風の中を歩き去った。

He popped his jacket collar and walked away into the wind.

Specific part 'eri' (collar).

この上着は撥水加工が施されています。

This jacket has been treated with a water-repellent finish.

Passive/Formal 'hodokosarete iru'.

冠婚葬祭では、きちんとした上着が欠かせません。

Proper jackets are indispensable for ceremonial occasions.

Set phrase 'kankonsōsai' (ceremonies).

上着のサイズが合わなくなったので、買い替えたい。

The jacket doesn't fit anymore, so I want to buy a new one.

Verb 'kaikaeru' (to replace/buy new).

その上着は、彼の体格によくフィットしている。

That jacket fits his physique very well.

Noun 'taikaku' (physique).

上着を脱ぐタイミングを逃してしまった。

I missed the timing to take off my jacket.

Noun 'timing' + 'nogasu' (to miss).

上着の裏地にまでこだわったデザインです。

The design is meticulous even down to the jacket lining.

Particle 'made' (even) + 'kodawaru' (to be particular about).

上着を脱ぎ捨てて、彼は海へと駆け出した。

Casting off his jacket, he ran toward the sea.

Compound verb 'nugisuteru' (to cast off).

その古びた上着には、彼の人生の重みが染み込んでいるようだった。

That worn-out jacket seemed to be imbued with the weight of his life.

Metaphorical 'shimikomu' (to soak in/be imbued).

上着のポケットから取り出したのは、一枚の古びた手紙だった。

What he took out of his jacket pocket was a single old letter.

Nominalizing 'no wa' structure.

彼は上着を小脇に抱え、足早に雑踏の中へ消えていった。

Holding his jacket under his arm, he quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Adverbial 'kowaki ni kakae' (under the arm).

上着の仕立ての良さが、彼の育ちの良さを物語っていた。

The quality of the jacket's tailoring spoke volumes about his upbringing.

Verb 'monogatatte ita' (told the story of).

厳しい寒さの中、彼は唯一の防寒具である上着を彼女に貸した。

In the bitter cold, he lent her his jacket, his only protection against the chill.

Apposition 'yuiitsu no bōkangu' (only cold-weather gear).

上着のボタンを掛け違えるという、些細なミスが彼の動揺を露呈させた。

The minor mistake of misbuttoning his jacket exposed his agitation.

Verb 'rotei saseta' (exposed/revealed).

彼は上着の埃を軽く払い、居住まいを正した。

He lightly brushed the dust off his jacket and straightened his posture.

Idiomatic 'izumai o tadashita' (straightened one's posture).

上着という概念が日本の服飾史においてどのように変遷したかを考察する。

We will examine how the concept of 'uwagi' has transitioned in the history of Japanese attire.

Academic 'kōsatsu suru' (to examine/consider).

近代化の波と共に、和装の上着から洋装のジャケットへと主流が移り変わった。

Along with the wave of modernization, the mainstream shifted from traditional Japanese outerwear to Western-style jackets.

Historical 'utsurikawatta' (shifted/changed).

その小説において、上着は社会的な仮面としての役割を象徴的に担っている。

In that novel, the jacket symbolically plays the role of a social mask.

Symbolic 'shōchō-teki ni' (symbolically).

上着の裁断一つを取っても、職人の並々ならぬ執念が感じられる。

Even in the single cut of the jacket, one can feel the craftsman's extraordinary obsession.

Emphasis '~hitotsu o totte mo'.

彼は上着を脱ぎ捨てることで、既存の権威からの脱却を試みた。

By casting off his jacket, he attempted to break away from existing authority.

Abstract 'dakkyaku' (breakaway/extrication).

上着の着こなし方には、その人物の美意識と哲学が凝縮されている。

The way one wears a jacket encapsulates their sense of beauty and philosophy.

Verb 'gyōshuku sarete iru' (is condensed/encapsulated).

儀礼的な場における上着の着用は、他者への敬意を可視化する行為である。

Wearing a jacket in ceremonial settings is an act of visualizing respect for others.

Formal 'kashika suru' (to visualize).

上着の摩耗した袖口が、彼が歩んできた苦難の道のりを静かに物語っていた。

The worn-out cuffs of his jacket silently told the tale of the hardships he had endured.

Poetic 'shizuka ni monogatatte ita'.

Collocations courantes

上着を着る

上着を脱ぐ

上着を預ける

上着を羽織る

厚手の上着

薄手の上着

上着のポケット

上着を掛ける

上着が似合う

上着を忘れる

Phrases Courantes

上着はいりません

— It means you don't need a jacket, usually because it's warm.

今日は暖かいから上着はいりません。

上着を持っていく

— To take a jacket with you just in case.

念のため、上着を持っていきます。

お上着をお預かりします

— A very polite way staff offer to take your coat.

お客様、お上着をお預かりしましょうか？

上着を脱いでもいいですか

— Asking permission to take off one's jacket in a formal setting.

暑いので、上着を脱いでもいいですか？

上着をクリーニングに出す

— To send a jacket to the professional cleaners.

週末に上着をクリーニングに出した。

上着を裏返しに着る

— To wear a jacket inside out.

恥ずかしい！上着を裏返しに着ていた。

上着のボタンを留める

— To button up your jacket.

風が強いので上着のボタンを留めた。

上着の襟を立てる

— To pop or raise the collar of a jacket.

寒かったので上着の襟を立てた。

上着を肩にかける

— To drape a jacket over one's shoulders.

彼は上着を肩にかけて歩いた。

上着が汚れる

— For the jacket to get dirty.

泥で上着が汚れてしまった。

Souvent confondu avec

上着 vs 下着 (shitagi)

Sounds similar but means 'underwear.' Don't tell someone to 'put on your shitagi' when you mean 'jacket'!

上着 vs うさぎ (usagi)

Means 'rabbit.' A common slip of the tongue for beginners.

上着 vs シャツ (shatsu)

Means 'shirt.' A shirt is usually worn under an 'uwagi'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"上着を脱ぐ (Metaphorical)"

— To show one's true self or to stop being formal (less common than literal).

彼はようやく上着を脱いで本音を語った。

Literary

"一肌脱ぐ (Hitohada nugu)"

— Literally 'to take off one layer of skin/clothing,' meaning to lend a helping hand.

彼のピンチに一肌脱ぐことにした。

Common Idiom

"襟を正す (Eri o tadasu)"

— To straighten one's collar; to correct one's attitude or straighten up.

先生の話を聞いて襟を正した。

Formal Idiom

"衣食足りて礼節を知る"

— Only when basic needs (clothing/food) are met can one learn manners.

衣食足りて礼節を知るとはよく言ったものだ。

Proverb

"馬子にも衣装 (Mago ni mo ishō)"

— Clothes make the man (even a packhorse driver looks good in fine clothes).

上着を着たら、馬子にも衣装だね。

Sarcastic/Proverb

"袖振り合うも多生の縁"

— Even a chance brushing of sleeves is karma; cherish all encounters.

袖振り合うも多生の縁、上着が当たったのも何かの縁だ。

Philosophical

"懐が寒い (Futokoro ga samui)"

— To be short on money (literally 'one's pocket/chest area is cold').

上着は立派だが、懐は寒い。

Slang/Idiom

"借りてきた猫"

— To be uncharacteristically quiet/meek (like a cat in a borrowed jacket/house).

彼は新しい上着を着て、借りてきた猫のようだった。

Common Idiom

"身を固める"

— To dress up or to settle down/get married.

立派な上着を着て身を固める。

Formal

"下駄を履くまでわからない"

— It's not over until it's over (until you put on your shoes/outwear to leave).

勝負は上着を着て下駄を履くまでわからない。

Proverb

Facile à confondre

上着 vs コート

Both mean outerwear.

Kōto is specifically for heavy/long outdoor wear. Uwagi is more general and can include indoor blazers.

冬はコートを着るが、オフィスでは上着（ジャケット）を着る。

上着 vs カーディガン

Both are worn over shirts.

Kādegan is a specific knitted garment. Uwagi is a broader category.

上着の代わりにカーディガンを羽織る。

上着 vs セーター

Both provide warmth.

Sētā is a sweater. Uwagi usually implies a structured jacket or coat.

セーターの上に上着を着る。

上着 vs パーカー

Both are casual outerwear.

Pāka has a hood. Uwagi is more formal/general.

今日は寒いからパーカーではなく厚手の上着にした。

上着 vs 肌着

Both refer to 'wear' (gi).

Hadagi is an undershirt/base layer. Uwagi is the outermost layer.

肌着の上にシャツを着て、最後に上着を着る。

Structures de phrases

[Noun] を [Verb].

上着を着ます。

[Adjective] [Noun] です。

青い上着です。

[Noun] が [Adjective] です。

上着が重いです。

[Noun] を [Verb-te] もいいですか？

上着を脱いでもいいですか？

[Noun] を [Verb-ta] ほうがいい。

上着を持っていったほうがいい。

[Noun] を [Verb-te] しまう。

上着を忘れてしまった。

[Noun] の [Part] を [Verb].

上着の襟を立てる。

[Noun] は [Concept] を象徴する。

上着は権威を象徴する。

Famille de mots

Noms

上着 (jacket)

下着 (underwear)

水着 (swimsuit)

寝巻き (sleepwear)

Verbes

着る (to wear)

着せる (to dress someone)

着替える (to change clothes)

着こなす (to wear well)

Adjectifs

着心地が良い (comfortable to wear)

Apparenté

服 (clothes)

衣類 (clothing)

洋服 (Western clothes)

和服 (Japanese clothes)

衣装 (costume)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially during spring, autumn, and winter.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'haku' instead of 'kiru'. → 上着を着る (Uwagi o kiru)
You 'kiru' things on your torso and 'haku' things on your legs/feet.
Calling a T-shirt an 'uwagi'. → Tシャツ (T-shatsu)
Uwagi specifically refers to an outer layer like a jacket, not a base shirt.
Using 'o-uwagi' for yourself. → 私の上着 (Watashi no uwagi)
The 'o-' prefix is honorific and should only be used for others.
Confusing 'uwagi' with 'usagi'. → 上着 (Uwagi)
One is a jacket, the other is a rabbit. Context helps, but pronunciation is key!
Using 'uwagi' for a long winter coat in a specific way. → コート (Kōto)
While 'uwagi' is okay, 'kōto' is more precise for heavy winter gear.

Astuces

The 'Uwa' Rule

Remember that 'Uwa' means UP. Anything you wear on your UP-per body as a final layer is an 'Uwagi'.

Entering a Home

Always take off your 'uwagi' before entering the main living area of a Japanese house. It's a sign of respect.

Kiru vs. Kite iru

Use 'kiru' for the action of putting it on. Use 'kite iru' to say you are currently wearing it.

Opposites Attract

Learn 'uwagi' (top-wear) and 'shitagi' (under-wear) together. They are perfect conceptual opposites.

Seasonal Change

Watch for 'Koromogae' in June and October. This is when everyone in Japan switches their 'uwagi' styles.

Size Matters

When shopping, you can ask for 'L-saizu no uwagi' (Large size jacket). Most Japanese sizes are smaller than Western ones!

Weather Reports

Listen for 'uwagi' on the news. It's the best way to know if you need to bundle up for the day.

Complimenting

A great way to start a conversation is saying 'Sono uwagi, niatte imasu ne!' (That jacket looks good on you!)

Kanji Logic

Notice that '着' is also in 'kimono' (着物). It always relates to things you wear.

Train Racks

Be careful! The most common place to lose an 'uwagi' is the luggage rack above train seats.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine you are putting on a jacket because the weather is 'UWA!' (Whoa!) cold. You 'GI' (get) it from the closet.

Association visuelle

Picture a person standing on top of a mountain (Uwa/Top) wearing a giant jacket (Gi).

Word Web

Jacket Coat Blazer Outerwear Kiru (Wear) Nugu (Take off) Shitagi (Underwear) Pocket

Défi

Try to find three different items in your closet that you could call an 'uwagi' and say 'Kore wa uwagi desu' for each one.

Origine du mot

The word is a native Japanese (kun-yomi) compound. It combines 'uwa' (top/outer) and 'ki' (garment/from the verb kiru). It has been used for centuries to describe the outer layer of any outfit.

Sens originel : Literally 'the thing worn on top.'

Japonic

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but remember that in very formal traditional settings, the specific term for the garment (like haori) is preferred over the general 'uwagi'.

In the West, 'jacket' and 'coat' are often distinct based on length. In Japan, 'uwagi' covers both, which can lead to over-generalization for English speakers.

The 'Salaryman' uniform (dark suit with uwagi) Detective Conan's blue jacket Lupin III's iconic green/red jackets

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Restaurant

上着を預かっていただけますか？
上着をここに置いてもいいですか？
お上着はこちらへどうぞ。
上着を忘れました。

Weather Discussion

明日は上着がいりますか？
厚手の上着の方がいいですよ。
上着を持ってきてよかったです。
今日は上着がいらないくらい暑い。

At a Clothing Store

この上着を試着してもいいですか？
もっと軽い上着はありますか？
この上着のサイズ違いはありますか？
この上着はいくらですか？

In the Office

上着を脱いでもよろしいでしょうか？
クールビズなので上着は着ません。
上着をハンガーに掛けてください。
上着を忘れて出勤してしまった。

At School

上着に名前を書いてください。
外では上着を着なさい。
上着をロッカーに入れてください。
誰かの上着が落ちています。

Amorces de conversation

"「その上着、どこで買ったんですか？すごく素敵ですね。」 (Where did you buy that jacket? It's wonderful.)"

"「今日は上着が必要なほど寒いと思いますか？」 (Do you think it's cold enough to need a jacket today?)"

"「クロークに上着を預けてもいいでしょうか？」 (Would it be okay to check my jacket at the cloakroom?)"

"「この上着、私に似合っていると思いますか？」 (Do you think this jacket suits me?)"

"「上着を脱いでも構いませんか？少し暑くて。」 (Do you mind if I take off my jacket? It's a bit hot.)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日着た上着について詳しく説明してください。色や形、気に入っているところは何ですか？

一番お気に入りの上着との思い出を書いてください。いつ、どこで買いましたか？

日本の「クールビズ」についてどう思いますか？あなたの国にも似た習慣はありますか？

もし新しい上着を買うなら、どんなデザインがいいですか？理由も教えてください。

上着をどこかに忘れて困った経験はありますか？その時どうしましたか？

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Technically yes, as it is a top garment, but it sounds a bit formal. It's better to use 'pāka' (パーカー) for a hoodie. 'Uwagi' usually brings to mind a jacket or coat.

Japanese doesn't distinguish between singular and plural. 'Uwagi' can mean 'a jacket' or 'jackets.' You clarify with context or counters like 'ichimai' (one) or 'nimai' (two).

You use 'kiru' (着る). This verb is used for all clothing worn on the upper body (torso). For shoes or pants, you would use 'haku' (履く).

Nowadays, it mostly refers to Western-style jackets. For a kimono's outer layer, people usually use specific terms like 'haori' or 'uchikake.' However, 'uwagi' can still be used generically.

'Uwagi' is the native Japanese word and is slightly more formal/general. 'Jaketto' is a loanword from English and is very common in fashion and casual conversation. They are often interchangeable.

You should use 'o-uwagi' when referring to someone else's jacket in a polite or formal setting (like if you are a host). Never use 'o' when referring to your own jacket.

In summer, people often say 'uwagi wa iranai' (no jacket needed). Because of the 'Cool Biz' campaign, many men stop wearing their 'uwagi' (suit jackets) to work from May to September.

No. A shirt is 'shatsu.' 'Uwagi' must be an outer layer. If you are only wearing a T-shirt, you are not wearing an 'uwagi'.

Use the counter '-mai' (枚). For example: 'Uwagi o ichimai kaimashita' (I bought one jacket).

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it every day in weather reports, shops, and offices. It is a core part of the N5/N4 vocabulary list.

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