B1 noun Neutre #5,000 le plus courant 2 min de lecture

スーツケース

suutsukeesu /sɯːtsɯke̞ːsɯ/
Entraîne-toi Notes et astuces

Overview

The Japanese word for 'suitcase' is 'スーツケース' (sūtsukēsu). This is a direct loanword from English, as indicated by its writing in katakana, the syllabary used for foreign words and onomatopoeia in Japanese.

When referring to a 'suitcase' in Japanese, 'スーツケース' is the most common and widely understood term. You'll hear it used in various contexts, from travel agencies and airports to department stores selling luggage.

While 'スーツケース' specifically refers to the rigid, rectangular type of luggage often used for longer trips, there are other terms for different kinds of bags. For example, a 'bag' in general is 'カバン' (kaban), also a loanword from the Dutch 'kabas'. A 'travel bag' or 'duffel bag' might be referred to as '旅行カバン' (ryokō kaban), combining 'travel' (旅行 - ryokō) with 'bag'. However, if you're specifically thinking of the hard-sided or semi-rigid luggage that you check in at an airport or carry on a train, 'スーツケース' is the precise term.

Understanding the nuance of loanwords in Japanese is crucial. Because 'スーツケース' is directly borrowed, its meaning is very close to its English equivalent. There isn't a traditional, native Japanese word that perfectly encapsulates the concept of a modern 'suitcase' with wheels and a handle, as such items are relatively recent introductions to Japan. Therefore, using 'スーツケース' is not only correct but also the most natural way to express the idea of a suitcase in Japanese.

Exemples

1

彼女は新しいスーツケースに服を詰めた。

旅行の準備

She packed clothes in her new suitcase.

2

空港でスーツケースを預ける。

空港での手続き

Check in your suitcase at the airport.

3

彼は重いスーツケースを引きずっていた。

移動中の様子

He was dragging a heavy suitcase.

4

このスーツケースは機内持ち込み可能ですか？

航空機の搭乗

Is this suitcase allowed as a carry-on?

5

スーツケースの鍵をなくしてしまった。

困った状況

I lost the key to my suitcase.

Collocations courantes

荷物を詰める
荷物を開ける
スーツケースを引く
スーツケースを持っていく

Souvent confondu avec

スーツケース vs w

80+ WORDS

Modèles grammaticaux

p1 p2 p3

Comment l'utiliser

The term 'スーツケース' (sūtsukēsu) is universally understood and used in Japan to refer to a rectangular case used for carrying clothes and other personal items during travel. It is a very common and standard term. While other terms like 'トランク' (toranku, from 'trunk') might be occasionally heard, 'スーツケース' is by far the most prevalent and generally preferred term. When speaking, the pronunciation maintains the English 'suit-case' sound, with Japanese phonetic adaptations. There are no particular nuances or restrictions on its usage; it can be applied to any size or type of travel case that fits the description. It is appropriate for all social contexts, from casual conversations to formal announcements. For example, one might say '新しいスーツケースを買った' (Atarashii sūtsukēsu o katta - I bought a new suitcase) or 'スーツケースを預ける' (Sūtsukēsu o azukeru - to check a suitcase). It's a straightforward and essential vocabulary word for anyone discussing travel in Japan.

Erreurs courantes

Some people might mispronounce the long 'u' or the long 'e'. Remember the 'ー' indicates a long vowel sound.

Astuces

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Word Origin and Meaning

The Japanese word 'スーツケース' (sūtsukēsu) is a direct loanword from the English word 'suitcase.' It refers to a rectangular case used for carrying clothes and other personal belongings, especially during travel. Understanding its origin as a loanword can help with recognition and recall, as many English words are adopted into Japanese with phonetic approximations.

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Common Pitfalls and Nuances

While 'スーツケース' is widely understood, be mindful of its usage in formal or very traditional contexts where more indigenous Japanese terms might be preferred, though this is rare for such a practical item. Also, remember that the pronunciation is based on English, so emphasis on certain syllables might differ slightly from a native English speaker's tendency. For example, the 'su' sound is typically shorter than in English.

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Contextual Use and Related Vocabulary

'スーツケース' is commonly used when discussing travel plans, packing, or airport scenarios. Related vocabulary includes '荷物' (nimotsu, luggage/baggage), '旅行' (ryokō, travel/trip), and '空港' (kūkō, airport). You might hear phrases like 'スーツケースを詰める' (sūtsukēsu o tsumeru, to pack a suitcase) or '大きいスーツケース' (ōkii sūtsukēsu, a large suitcase). It's a fundamental word for anyone discussing travel in Japanese.

Origine du mot

From English 'suitcase'. The word is a direct borrowing.

Contexte culturel

The word 'スーツケース' (sūtsukēsu) is a direct loanword from the English word "suitcase." In Japan, suitcases are an ubiquitous item for travel, both domestically and internationally. The cultural context around suitcases in Japan often involves a high degree of practicality and consideration for efficiency. Japanese travelers often prioritize lightweight, durable, and easily maneuverable suitcases, especially given the extensive public transportation network and the need to navigate crowded stations. There's also an emphasis on neat and organized packing, sometimes utilizing special packing cubes or bags to maximize space and keep belongings tidy, reflecting a broader cultural value of orderliness. For business travel, more formal, hard-shell suitcases are common, while for leisure, a wider variety of styles and sizes are seen. The act of choosing a suitcase in Japan is often a thoughtful process, considering not only functionality but also aesthetic appeal and brand reputation.

Astuce mémo

Sounds like 'suitcase' in English, just with a Japanese accent. The 'sū' is a long 'u' sound, like in 'moon', and 'kēsu' is like 'case'.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions

The Japanese word for 'suitcase' is 'スーツケース' (sūtsukēsu).

'スーツケース' (sūtsukēsu) directly translates to 'suitcase' in English. It refers to a rectangular case, often with wheels and a retractable handle, used for carrying clothes and other personal belongings during travel.

The pronunciation of 'スーツケース' is 'sū-tsu-kē-su'. The 'sū' is like the 'soo' in 'soon', 'tsu' is like the 'tsu' in 'tsunami', 'kē' is like the 'kay' in 'okay', and 'su' is like the 'soo' in 'soup'. The long vowel sounds are important for correct pronunciation.

While 'スーツケース' specifically refers to a traditional suitcase, in casual conversation, it might sometimes be used more broadly to refer to other types of travel luggage, especially those with a hard or semi-hard shell. However, for more specific types of luggage like duffel bags or backpacks, there are other Japanese terms. For instance, a backpack is 'リュックサック' (ryukkusakku) or just 'リュック' (ryukku).

Teste-toi

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旅行に持っていくのにとても便利なものです。服を詰めて、どこへでも簡単に持ち運べます。これは何ですか？

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

空港で、彼女は大きな[_________]を引いていました。

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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この[_________]は軽くて丈夫なので、飛行機の旅に最適です。

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

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