This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #7,000 most common 12 min read

ぬぐ

nugu Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ぬぐ in 30 Seconds

Explanation ぬぐ in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic and essential uses of 'nugu'. The most critical context is the 'genkan' (entrance) of a Japanese home. A1 students should learn the phrase 'Kutsu wo nuide kudasai' (Please take off your shoes) as a fixed ritualistic expression. They should also understand that 'nugu' is used for basic clothing items like 'fuku' (clothes), 'shatsu' (shirt), and 'zubon' (pants). At this stage, the focus is on the present tense 'nugimasu' and the polite request form 'nuide kudasai'. Learners should be aware that Japan has a 'shoe-off' culture and that this verb is the key to navigating that social requirement. Simple sentences like 'Shatsu wo nugimasu' (I take off my shirt) are the building blocks. The primary goal is to recognize the word when spoken by a host or teacher and to be able to use it to describe their own basic actions of undressing for bed or upon entering a house.

At the A2 level, learners expand their usage of 'nugu' to include a wider variety of clothing items and more complex sentence structures. They begin to use the past tense 'nuida' or 'nugimashita' to recount their day, such as 'Uchi ni kaette, kooto wo nugimashita' (I went home and took off my coat). They also learn to connect 'nugu' with other actions using the 'te-form', for example: 'Kutsu wo nuide, naka ni hairimasu' (Take off your shoes and go inside). A2 learners should be comfortable with the 'gu -> ide' conjugation rule, which is unique to Godan verbs like 'nugu'. They also start to distinguish 'nugu' from other removal verbs like 'hazusu' (for accessories) and 'toru' (for hats), though they might still make occasional mistakes. Understanding the social context of 'nugu' in places like hospitals, schools, and traditional restaurants becomes more important at this level.

By the B1 level, students should have a firm grasp of the 'nugu' conjugation and its common collocations. They start to use the potential form 'nugeru' (can take off) and the causative form 'nugaseru' (make/let someone take off). For instance, 'Kono kutsu wa nugi-nikui' (These shoes are hard to take off). B1 learners are expected to use the word in more descriptive contexts, explaining Japanese customs to others or navigating more complex social situations like visiting a 'sento' (public bath) or participating in a tea ceremony. They begin to encounter compound verbs like 'nugi-suteru' (to kick off clothes) and 'nugi-kaeru' (to change clothes). Their understanding of the 'uchi/soto' (inside/outside) dynamic is deeper, and they use 'nugu' as a linguistic marker of this boundary. They are also more precise, rarely confusing 'nugu' with 'hazusu' or 'toru'.

At the B2 level, learners use 'nugu' fluently and can handle its metaphorical and idiomatic applications. They might encounter the word in literature or news reports where it is used to describe shedding an old image or a formal role. For example, 'Kare wa seiji-ka no fuku wo nuida' (He shed his persona as a politician). B2 students are comfortable with the passive form 'nugareteru' and can use the verb in complex conditional sentences: 'Moshi soko de kutsu wo nugu no wo wasuretara, taihen desu yo' (If you forget to take off your shoes there, it'll be a big deal). They understand the nuance of 'nuide-iru' as a state vs. 'nugu' as an action. They can also discuss the historical and cultural significance of 'nugu' in Japanese architecture and social hierarchy, using the word as a springboard for deeper cultural discussions.

C1 learners possess a sophisticated understanding of 'nugu' and its kanji '脱'. They are familiar with academic and formal terms that incorporate this kanji, such as 'datsuryoku' (relaxation/loss of strength) or 'datsuzoku' (leaving the mundane world). In terms of the verb itself, they can appreciate its use in high-level literature to signify vulnerability, honesty, or a return to nature. They can use the verb in nuanced ways to describe subtle social cues, such as the timing of when to 'nugu' a coat when entering a business meeting (often before entering the building). They are also aware of regional variations or archaic uses of the word that might appear in historical dramas. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of particles and the ability to drop the verb entirely in 'omotenashi' (hospitality) contexts where the action is implied.

At the C2 level, the learner has reached a near-native mastery where 'nugu' is used with perfect instinctual accuracy. They can engage in deep philosophical debates about the concept of 'hadaka' (nakedness) and the role of 'nugu' in Japanese Zen or Shinto practices. They understand the etymological roots of the kanji and how it relates to concepts of 'escape' or 'shedding' (as in a snake shedding skin). They can interpret the use of 'nugu' in avant-garde poetry or complex legal documents regarding 'datsu-zei' (tax evasion - using the same kanji). For a C2 learner, 'nugu' is not just a verb but a cultural concept representing the peeling away of layers to reach an essence. They can use it in humor, irony, and complex wordplay, fully integrated into the highest levels of Japanese linguistic and cultural expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ぬぐ in 30 Seconds

Nugu is the Japanese verb for taking off clothes and shoes, essential for daily life and social etiquette in Japan.
It is a Godan verb, meaning its 'te-form' is 'nuide' and its past tense is 'nuida'.
While used for clothing, it is generally replaced by 'hazusu' for accessories like watches and 'toru' for glasses.
Culturally, it marks the transition from the outside world to the clean, private interior of a home or temple.

The Japanese verb ぬぐ (nugu), written in kanji as 脱ぐ, is a fundamental action word that every learner of Japanese must master early on. At its core, it means 'to take off' or 'to remove' items that are worn on the body. However, in the context of Japanese culture, this word carries much more weight than its English counterpart because of the strict social norms regarding indoor and outdoor spaces. The act of removing one's footwear or outer garments is not just a personal convenience; it is a ritual of transition between the public 'outside' world (soto) and the private or sacred 'inside' world (uchi).

Primary Usage: Used for clothing (shirts, pants, coats), footwear (shoes, socks, boots), and headwear (hats, caps). It describes the physical act of stripping away a layer that is covering the skin or an inner layer of clothing.

ここで靴をぬいでください。
(Koko de kutsu wo nuide kudasai.)
Please take off your shoes here.

In a typical Japanese home, the first thing you do upon entering the 'genkan' (entranceway) is to 'nugu' your shoes. This isn't just about cleanliness; it's a sign of respect for the host's space. If you fail to 'nugu' your shoes where expected, it is considered a significant social faux pas. The word is also central to the experience of 'onsen' (hot springs) or 'sento' (public baths), where the 'datsu-i-jo' (changing room) is literally the 'place for taking off clothes' (utilizing the kanji 脱). In these settings, the word represents a shedding of social status and external identity, returning to a natural, communal state.

Grammatical Context: It is a Godan verb (Group 1). The dictionary form ends in 'gu', which means its 'te-form' ends in 'ide' (nuide) and its past tense ends in 'ida' (nuida). This phonological shift is important for smooth speaking.

暑かったので、上着をぬぎました。
(Atsukatta node, uwagi wo nugimashita.)
Because it was hot, I took off my jacket.

Beyond physical clothing, 'nugu' can occasionally be found in metaphorical contexts in literature, such as 'shedding a mask' (kamen wo nugu) to reveal one's true self. However, for A2 learners, the focus remains on the daily necessity of managing one's attire. Whether you are visiting a temple, a traditional restaurant with tatami mats, or a friend's apartment, you will hear and use 'nugu' constantly. It is one of the most 'active' verbs in the Japanese daily lexicon because the environment changes so frequently from shoe-on to shoe-off zones.

Cultural Nuance: In Japanese schools, students 'nugu' their outdoor shoes and change into 'uwabaki' (indoor shoes). This practice reinforces the boundary between the messy outside world and the disciplined learning environment inside.

靴下をぬぐのを忘れないで。
(Kutsushita wo nugu no wo wasurenaide.)
Don't forget to take off your socks.

Using ぬぐ (nugu) correctly involves understanding its conjugation and its relationship with specific objects. Since it is a Godan verb ending in 'gu', it follows a specific pattern that is slightly different from verbs ending in 'ku' (like kaku). When you want to say 'Please take off...', you use the 'te-form' followed by 'kudasai'. The 'te-form' of 'nugu' is 'nuide'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners who might expect 'nuite', but the voiced 'g' in 'nugu' carries over to become a voiced 'd' in 'nuide'.

The 'Te' Form Pattern: Dictionary: ぬぐ (nugu) -> Te-form: ぬいで (nuide). Example: 'Nuide kudasai' (Please take it off).

コートをぬいで、ハンガーにかけてください。
(Kooto wo nuide, hangaa ni kakete kudasai.)
Take off your coat and put it on a hanger.

When talking about the past, use 'nuida'. This is essential for describing what you did when you got home or when you entered a specific building. The sentence structure is typically [Object] + [Particle を] + [Verb]. In casual conversation, the particle 'wo' is often dropped, but for learners, it is best to include it to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. You can also use 'nugu' in its potential form 'nugeru' (can take off) or its negative form 'nuganai' (don't take off).

Common Objects for Nugu: Clothes (fuku), Shoes (kutsu), Socks (kutsushita), Hat (boushi), Gloves (tebukuro), Coat (kooto), Uniform (seifuku).

彼は急いで服をぬいだ。
(Kare wa isoide fuku wo nuida.)
He hurriedly took off his clothes.

Another important aspect is the 'state' of having something off. While 'nugu' is the action, if you want to say 'I am barefoot' or 'I have my shoes off', you might use different expressions, but 'nuide iru' (is in the state of having taken off) is used to describe the ongoing state after the action. For example, 'Kutsu wo nuide imasu' means 'I have my shoes off'. This distinction between action and state is a key part of Japanese verb logic.

Compound Verbs: Nugi-suteru (to kick off/throw off clothes carelessly), Nugi-kaseru (to help someone take off clothes, like a child).

子供にパジャマをぬがせる。
(Kodomo ni pajama wo nugaseru.)
I make the child take off their pajamas (or help them).

The word ぬぐ (nugu) is omnipresent in Japanese daily life, echoing through various social and private spheres. One of the most common places you will hear it is at the entrance of a home. When a guest arrives, the host might politely say, 'Douzo, kutsu wo nuide kudasai' (Please, take off your shoes). This isn't just a request; it's an invitation into the inner sanctum of the home. In this context, the word signifies the transition from the 'dirty' outside world to the 'clean' inside world.

At the Clinic or Hospital: During a physical exam, a doctor or nurse will frequently use this word. 'Ue no fuku wo nuide kudasai' (Please take off your upper clothing). It is a standard, professional instruction in medical settings.

診察室で靴をぬいで体重計に乗ってください。
(Shinsatsushitsu de kutsu wo nuide taijuukei ni notte kudasai.)
Please take off your shoes in the exam room and step on the scale.

You will also hear it in sports settings. Martial arts such as Judo, Karate, and Kendo require practitioners to 'nugu' their everyday clothes and change into a 'gi' or 'hakama'. In the 'dojo' (training hall), the act of taking off shoes before stepping onto the mats is a sign of respect for the tradition and the space. Instructors will often remind beginners to 'nugu' properly and align their shoes neatly at the entrance, facing outward.

In Schools and Kindergartens: Teachers use 'nugu' constantly with young children. 'Boushi wo nuide!' (Take off your hat!) or 'Uwagi wo nugu no tetsudou ka?' (Shall I help you take off your jacket?). It's a key part of early childhood education regarding self-care and etiquette.

学校に着いたら、まずコートをぬぎます。
(Gakkou ni tsuitara, mazu kooto wo nugimasu.)
Upon arriving at school, first, we take off our coats.

Public baths (Sento) and hot springs (Onsen) are perhaps the most culturally significant places where 'nugu' is practiced. There are signs everywhere saying 'Koko de fuku wo nuide kudasai' (Please take off your clothes here). In these spaces, 'nugu' is the prerequisite for the 'hadaka no tsukiai' (naked relationship), which refers to the social bonding that happens when everyone is stripped of their outward layers and status, being equal in the bath.

In Fitting Rooms: When trying on clothes at a shop (shichakushitsu), the staff will remind you to 'nugu' your shoes before stepping onto the carpeted fitting area. They might say, 'O-kutsu wa soto de nuide kudasai' (Please take off your shoes outside the room).

試着室に入る前に靴をぬいでください。
(Shichakushitsu ni hairu mae ni kutsu wo nuide kudasai.)
Please take off your shoes before entering the fitting room.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers learning ぬぐ (nugu) is overusing it for every type of 'taking off'. In English, the phrase 'take off' is a catch-all for clothing, accessories, and even airplanes. In Japanese, verbs are much more specific based on the item being removed. If you use 'nugu' for a ring or a watch, a Japanese person will understand you, but it will sound very unnatural and 'clunky'.

The 'Accessories' Trap: For items that are 'unfastened' or 'detached' rather than 'slipped off' like clothes, use はずす (hazusu). This applies to watches, rings, earrings, and glasses. For glasses specifically, you can also use とる (toru) (to take).

❌ 指輪をぬぐ (Yubiwa wo nugu)
✅ 指輪をはずす (Yubiwa wo hazusu)
Take off a ring.

Another common error involves the conjugation of the 'te-form'. Because 'nugu' ends in 'gu', it follows the pattern of 'gu -> ide'. Many students mistakenly conjugate it like 'kaku' (to write), which ends in 'ku' and becomes 'kaite'. They might say 'nuite' instead of 'nuide'. This 'tentative' vs. 'voiced' distinction is vital for being understood. 'Nuite' sounds like you are saying 'pull out' (from the verb 'nuku'), which could lead to very confusing situations!

Confusion with 'Toru' (取るとる): While 'nugu' is used for hats, 'toru' is also very common and often more natural for a quick removal of a hat or glasses. 'Nugu' implies a more complete act of undressing, whereas 'toru' is a simple act of 'taking' it off the head.

帽子をとる (Boushi wo toru) - More common for 'taking off a hat'.
帽子をぬぐ (Boushi wo nugu) - Also correct, but sounds more like 'undressing'.

Contextual errors also occur when learners forget that 'nugu' is only for things *worn* on the body. You cannot 'nugu' a tablecloth, a bedsheet, or a cover from a machine. For those, you would use 'toru' (remove) or 'hazusu' (detach). Finally, remember that 'nugu' describes the *action*. If you want to describe the *result* (being naked), you use the word 'hadaka' (naked) rather than a form of 'nugu'.

The 'Shoes' Exception: In English, we 'take off' shoes. In Japanese, we *always* 'nugu' shoes. Never use 'hazusu' for shoes, even if they have buckles or laces. The 'nugu' verb covers the entire category of footwear.

❌ 靴をはずす (Kutsu wo hazusu)
✅ 靴をぬぐ (Kutsu wo nugu)

To truly master ぬぐ (nugu), you must understand its place within the larger family of 'removal' verbs in Japanese. Japanese is a language that prizes specificity, and the choice of verb depends entirely on *how* the object is attached to the body. While 'nugu' is for clothes and shoes, other verbs take over for different categories. Understanding these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and sophisticated.

Nugu vs. Hazusu (はずす): Nugu: Used for things you 'step out of' or 'pull off' (shirts, pants, shoes).
Hazusu: Used for things that are 'unfastened' or 'unclipped' (belts, watches, earrings, bras, masks). If it has a clasp, 'hazusu' is usually better.

マスクをはずす (Masuku wo hazusu) - To take off a mask.
シャツをぬぐ (Shatsu wo nugu) - To take off a shirt.

Then there is とる (toru). This is a very general verb meaning 'to take' or 'to remove'. For items on the head, like hats or glasses, 'toru' is often used interchangeably with 'nugu' (for hats) or 'hazusu' (for glasses). 'Toru' feels more casual and focuses on the simple act of taking the item away from the body. You might also hear どける (dokeru), which means to move something out of the way, but this is rarely used for clothing on the body.

Nugu vs. Orosu (下ろす): Nugu: Taking off clothing.
Orosu: Taking something 'down' from a high place, or in some contexts, taking off a backpack (though 'orosu' or 'hazusu' is used for backpacks, 'nugu' is never used for bags).

リュックをおろす (Ryukku wo orosu) - To take off a backpack.
ズボンをぬぐ (Zubon wo nugu) - To take off pants.

In formal or literary Japanese, you might encounter だつえい (datsuei), which is the Sino-Japanese reading for 'taking off clothes', but this is almost exclusively used in compound nouns like 'datsu-i-jo' (changing room). In daily spoken Japanese, 'nugu' remains the king of this semantic field. Another interesting alternative is かいじょする (kaijo suru), used in very specific technical contexts for 'removing' equipment, but you won't need this for everyday life.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. Hazusu (Accessories/Masks) 2. Toru (Hats/Glasses/General) 3. Orosu (Bags/Backpacks) 4. Nugi-kaeru (Changing clothes).

家に帰って、制服をぬぎかえる。
(Ie ni kaette, seifuku wo nugikaeru.)
I go home and change out of my uniform.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 脱 also appears in 'dasshutsu' (escape). In a way, 'nugu' is like escaping from your clothes!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nu.ɡu/

US /nu.ɡu/

Heiban (Flat) accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

つぐ (tsugu) かぐ (kagu) こぐ (kogu) そぐ (sogu) はぐ (hagu) まぐ (magu) いすぐ (isugu) つなぐ (tsunagu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gu' like 'goo' in English (it should be shorter).
Confusing 'nuide' (te-form) with 'nuite' (from nuku).
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Elongating the 'u' sound.
Making the 'g' sound too breathy.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji 脱 is common, hiragana is simple.

Writing 3/5

Kanji has several strokes but is essential.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but watch the 'gu' vs 'ku'.

Listening 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

靴 (kutsu) 服 (fuku) 着る (kiru) 履く (haku) ください (kudasai)

Learn Next

はずす (hazusu) とる (toru) 着替える (kigaeru) 洗濯する (sentaku suru) 玄関 (genkan)

Advanced

脱皮 (dappi) 脱出 (dasshutsu) 脱退 (dattai) 一肌脱ぐ (hitohada nugu)

Grammar to Know

Godan Verb Conjugation

ぬぐ -> ぬがない, ぬぎます, ぬぐ, ぬげば, ぬごう

Te-form Euphonic Change (gu -> ide)

ぬぐ -> ぬいで

Past Tense (gu -> ida)

ぬぐ -> ぬいだ

Potential Form (~eru)

ぬげる (can take off)

Causative Form (~aseru)

ぬがせる (make someone take off)

Examples by Level

靴をぬいでください。

Please take off your shoes.

Uses the polite request form 'te + kudasai'.

シャツをぬぎます。

I take off my shirt.

Standard present tense 'masu' form.

ここでぬぎますか？

Do I take them off here?

Question form using the particle 'ka'.

コートをぬぎました。

I took off my coat.

Past tense 'mashita' form.

ズボンをぬぐ。

Take off pants.

Dictionary form, casual usage.

帽子をぬいで。

Take off your hat (casual).

Casual request ending in 'te'.

靴下をぬぎたいです。

I want to take off my socks.

Desire form 'tai'.

服をぬがないでください。

Please don't take off your clothes.

Negative request 'nai de kudasai'.

暑いので、上着をぬぎました。

Since it was hot, I took off my jacket.

Uses 'node' to show reason.

お風呂の前に服をぬぎます。

I take off my clothes before the bath.

Uses 'no mae ni' (before).

靴をぬいでから、部屋に入ってください。

After taking off your shoes, please enter the room.

Uses 'te kara' (after doing X).

セーターをぬぐのは大変です。

Taking off a sweater is difficult.

Nominalizes the verb with 'no wa'.

彼は急いで靴をぬいだ。

He hurriedly took off his shoes.

Adverb 'isoide' modifying the verb.

ここで靴をぬがなければなりません。

You must take off your shoes here.

Obligation form 'nakereba narimasen'.

パジャマをぬいで、学校に行きます。

I take off my pajamas and go to school.

Connecting actions with 'te' form.

手を洗う前に、手袋をぬぎなさい。

Take off your gloves before washing your hands.

Uses the imperative 'nasai'.

このブーツはぬぎにくいです。

These boots are hard to take off.

Compound with '-nikui' (hard to).

子供に服をぬがせました。

I made the child take off their clothes.

Causative form 'nugaseru'.

靴をぬがずに中に入ってしまった。

I accidentally went inside without taking off my shoes.

Negative 'zu ni' (without doing).

上着をぬぐと、涼しくなりました。

When I took off my jacket, it became cool.

Conditional 'to' (when/if).

脱いだ服は、ちゃんとたたんでください。

Please fold the clothes you took off properly.

Verb as an adjective modifying 'fuku'.

靴をぬぐ習慣は日本独特のものです。

The custom of taking off shoes is unique to Japan.

Nugu used in a descriptive noun phrase.

彼はコートをぬぎながら、挨拶した。

He greeted us while taking off his coat.

Simultaneous action '-nagara'.

濡れた服をすぐにぬぎなさい。

Take off those wet clothes immediately.

Strong command 'nasai'.

彼は仮面をぬぎ、本音を話し始めた。

He shed his mask and began to speak his true feelings.

Metaphorical use of 'nugu'.

その俳優は、役のために服をぬぐ決心をした。

The actor decided to strip (take off clothes) for the role.

Context of professional acting.

靴をぬぐのが面倒で、外出をやめた。

Taking off my shoes was such a hassle that I decided not to go out.

Expressing cause/effect with 'de'.

脱ぎ捨てられた服が床に散らばっている。

Clothes that were kicked off are scattered on the floor.

Compound verb 'nugi-suteru' in passive/past form.

日本の文化において、靴をぬぐことは境界線を越えることを意味する。

In Japanese culture, taking off shoes signifies crossing a boundary.

Formal 'koto' nominalization.

彼は上着をぬぎ、腕まくりをして仕事にかかった。

He took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work.

Sequential actions in a narrative.

どんなに急いでいても、靴をぬぐのを忘れてはいけない。

No matter how much of a hurry you're in, you must not forget to take off your shoes.

Concessive 'donna ni ... temo'.

彼は重い責任をぬぎ捨てたいと思っている。

He wants to cast off his heavy responsibilities.

Abstract compound 'nugi-suteru'.

鎧をぬぎ捨てた彼の姿は、どこか寂しげだった。

His appearance after casting off his armor was somehow lonely.

Literary use of 'nugi-suteru'.

彼女は都会の喧騒をぬぎ捨て、田舎へ移住した。

She shed the hustle and bustle of the city and moved to the countryside.

Highly metaphorical use for lifestyle change.

脱ぎかけのシャツをそのままにして、彼は電話に出た。

Leaving his shirt half-off, he answered the phone.

Auxiliary '-kake' (half-done).

その政治家は、ついに権力の座をぬぎ捨てることになった。

The politician finally ended up casting off his seat of power.

Formal metaphorical usage.

温泉で心身ともに裸になり、日頃のストレスをぬぐ。

Becoming naked in body and soul at the hot spring, one sheds daily stress.

Poetic/Cultural expression.

脱ぎにくいウェットスーツと格闘する。

Wrestle with a wetsuit that is hard to take off.

Verb 'kakutou suru' (to struggle/wrestle).

彼は古い殻をぬぎ捨て、新しい自分に生まれ変わった。

He shed his old shell and was reborn as a new person.

Classic 'shedding a shell' metaphor.

脱衣室でのマナーを遵守することが、温泉文化の基本である。

Observing manners in the changing room is the basis of onsen culture.

Formal noun 'datsu-i-shitsu'.

自己の虚飾をぬぎ去った先にこそ、真実の救いがある。

Only after stripping away one's vanities does true salvation lie.

Philosophical/Religious register.

蛇が皮をぬぐように、魂もまた進化の過程で何かを捨て去る必要がある。

Just as a snake sheds its skin, the soul must also discard things in the process of evolution.

Simile with 'youni'.

その文豪は、言葉の綾をぬぎ捨てた簡潔な文体を追求した。

The great writer pursued a concise style that stripped away linguistic flourishes.

Literary criticism context.

伝統という名の重衣をぬぎ捨て、現代に即した変革を遂げる。

Shedding the heavy garments called 'tradition', they achieved a transformation suited to the modern age.

Abstract sociopolitical commentary.

彼は過去の栄光をぬぎ捨て、ゼロからの再出発を誓った。

Casting off his past glory, he vowed to start again from zero.

Metaphorical 'nugi-suteru'.

脱ぎにくい世評をいかにして払拭するかが、彼の課題であった。

How to wipe away the public reputation that was hard to shed was his challenge.

Complex abstract usage.

禅の境地とは、一切の執着をぬぎ捨てることにあるのかもしれない。

The state of Zen may lie in casting off all attachments.

Philosophical speculation.

肉体という衣をぬぎ捨てた魂の行方を、誰が知ろうか。

Who could know the destination of the soul after it has shed the garment of the physical body?

Rhetorical question in high literature.

Common Collocations

靴をぬぐ

服をぬぐ

コートをぬぐ

靴下をぬぐ

上着をぬぐ

制服をぬぐ

帽子をぬぐ

手袋をぬぐ

急いでぬぐ

全部ぬぐ

Common Phrases

靴をぬいでください

— Standard polite request to remove shoes.

玄関で「靴をぬいでください」と言われた。

一肌脱ぐ (hitohada nugu)

— To lend a helping hand (idiom).

彼のために一肌脱ぐことにした。

脱ぎっぱなし

— Leaving clothes where they were taken off.

服を脱ぎっぱなしにしないで。

脱ぎ着する

— Putting on and taking off clothes.

この服は脱ぎ着しやすい。

脱ぎたて

— Just taken off.

脱ぎたての靴下。

脱ぎ捨て

— Casting aside.

古い考えを脱ぎ捨てよう。

脱ぎにくい

— Hard to take off.

このブーツは脱ぎにくい。

脱ぎやすい

— Easy to take off.

サンダルは脱ぎやすい。

脱ぎ場

— Place to take off clothes.

ここが靴の脱ぎ場です。

脱ぎかえる

— To change clothes.

家に着いたらすぐに脱ぎかえる。

Often Confused With

ぬぐ vs 抜く (nuku)

Means to pull out or extract. Its te-form is 'nuite', which sounds very similar to 'nuide'.

ぬぐ vs 拭く (fuku)

Means to wipe. Sounds similar but has a different vowel and meaning.

ぬぐ vs 脱ぐ (nugu) vs 外す (hazusu)

Nugu is for clothes/shoes; Hazusu is for accessories/masks.

Idioms & Expressions

"一肌脱ぐ"

— To give someone a hand; to exert oneself for someone.

困っている友人のために一肌脱ぐ。

Common

"仮面を脱ぐ"

— To reveal one's true self; to stop pretending.

彼はついに仮面を脱いだ。

Literary

"兜を脱ぐ"

— To admit defeat; to give up (lit. to take off one's helmet).

彼の才能には兜を脱ぐしかない。

Formal

"猫を被るのをやめて、脱ぐ"

— To stop acting like a 'goody-two-shoes' and show one's true nature.

彼女は猫を脱いだ。

Informal

"重荷を脱ぐ"

— To be relieved of a burden.

大役を終えて、重荷を脱いだ気分だ。

Formal

"鎧を脱ぐ"

— To let one's guard down.

家では鎧を脱いでくつろぐ。

Literary

"古皮を脱ぐ"

— To shed one's old self; to innovate.

会社は古皮を脱ぐ必要がある。

Academic

"一皮脱ぐ"

— To mature or improve significantly (lit. to shed a skin).

彼は修行を経て一皮脱いだ。

Neutral

"法衣を脱ぐ"

— To leave the priesthood.

彼は法衣を脱いで還俗した。

Historical

"靴を脱いで上がる"

— To enter a house (implies taking off shoes and stepping up).

どうぞ、靴を脱いでお上がりください。

Polite

Easily Confused

ぬぐ vs はずす (hazusu)

Both mean 'take off' in English.

Hazusu is for things unfastened (clocks, rings, masks); Nugu is for things slipped off (shirts, shoes).

時計をはずす vs シャツをぬぐ

ぬぐ vs とる (toru)

Both can be used for hats.

Toru is more general 'taking'; Nugu is specifically 'undressing'.

帽子をとる (common) vs 帽子をぬぐ (okay but specific)

ぬぐ vs ぬく (nuku)

Phonetically similar.

Nuku is to extract (a tooth, a sword); Nugu is to take off clothes.

歯をぬく vs 靴をぬぐ

ぬぐ vs おろす (orosu)

Both used for items on the body.

Orosu is for backpacks/bags (taking down); Nugu is for clothing.

カバンをおろす vs コートをぬぐ

ぬぐ vs きがえる (kigaeru)

Related to changing clothes.

Kigaeru is the whole process of changing; Nugu is only the 'taking off' part.

パジャマに着替える vs 制服をぬぐ

Sentence Patterns

[Item] をぬいでください。

靴をぬいでください。

[Reason] から [Item] をぬぎます。

暑いから上着をぬぎます。

[Item] はぬぎにくいです。

この靴はぬぎにくいです。

[Item] をぬがずに [Action]。

靴をぬがずに中に入りました。

[Item] をぬいだら、[Action]。

コートをぬいだら、ここに掛けてください。

[Item] をぬぎ捨てる。

服をぬぎ捨てる。

[Abstract] をぬぎ捨てる。

過去をぬぎ捨てる。

[Noun] という名の [Item] をぬぐ。

虚飾という名の衣をぬぐ。

Word Family

Nouns

脱衣 (datsui - undressing)

脱皮 (dappi - shedding skin)

脱落 (datsuraku - dropping out)

Verbs

脱ぎ捨てる (nugi-suteru)

脱ぎ替える (nugi-kaeru)

脱がせる (nugaseru)

Adjectives

脱ぎやすい (nugiyasui)

脱ぎにくい (nuginikui)

服 (fuku)

靴 (kutsu)

玄関 (genkan)

着る (kiru)

履く (haku)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily Japanese life due to shoe-removal customs.

Common Mistakes

靴をはずす (Kutsu wo hazusu) → 靴をぬぐ (Kutsu wo nugu)
You don't unfasten shoes in Japanese logic; you step out of them, so 'nugu' is required.
靴をぬいてください (Kutsu wo nuite kudasai) → 靴をぬいでください (Kutsu wo nuide kudasai)
The 'gu' ending requires 'ide', not 'ite'. 'Nuite' means 'pull out'.
時計をぬぐ (Tokei wo nugu) → 時計をはずす (Tokei wo hazusu)
Watches are accessories and use 'hazusu'.
帽子をぬぐ (Boushi wo nugu) - when just lifting it off → 帽子をとる (Boushi wo toru)
While 'nugu' works for hats, 'toru' is much more common for the simple act of removal.
カバンをぬぐ (Kaban wo nugu) → カバンをおろす (Kaban wo orosu)
Bags are not clothing; you 'take them down' (orosu) or 'remove' (toru) them.

Tips

Temple Etiquette

Always look for the 'nugiba' (shoe removal area) at temples. If there are slippers provided, put them on after you 'nugu' your shoes.

The 'G' Rule

Verbs ending in 'gu' always have a voiced 'de' or 'da' in their te/ta forms. This is a consistent rule in Japanese.

Softening Requests

Instead of just 'nuide', say 'nuide itadakemasu ka?' to sound extra polite to guests.

Shoe Alignment

After you 'nugu' your shoes, it is polite to turn them around so they face the door.

Nude Connection

The word 'Nugu' starts like 'Nude'. You 'nugu' to get closer to being nude!

Medical Visits

In Japan, doctors often ask you to 'nugu' your shirt for a stethoscope. Be prepared for this request.

Home Visits

Never step on the wooden floor with shoes. 'Nugu' must happen on the lower stone/tile area of the genkan.

Kanji Parts

The kanji 脱 has the 'flesh' radical on the left, which helps you remember it's related to the body.

Voiced Consonants

Practice hearing the difference between 'nuku' (pull) and 'nugu' (remove clothes) to avoid confusion.

Gloves

Even though gloves have fingers like socks, we usually say 'tebukuro wo nugu'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'New Goo'. If you get 'New Goo' on your clothes, you have to 'nugu' (take them off) immediately!

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of shoes sitting neatly at a door. The word 'nugu' is written on the floor mat.

Word Web

Shatsu Kutsu Zubon Kooto Boushi Tebukuro Nuide Nuida

Challenge

Try to say 'Kutsu wo nuide' every time you take your shoes off today.

Word Origin

The word 'nugu' originates from Old Japanese. It has long been used to describe the act of separating a covering from the body.

Original meaning: To strip, to peel, or to uncover.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'nugu' can imply nakedness, so use it carefully in mixed company or professional settings if referring to more than just a coat or shoes.

In many English-speaking cultures, shoes are often worn inside. This makes 'nugu' a specifically important word for Westerners to learn to avoid social errors in Japan.

The movie 'Spirited Away' shows characters leaving shoes at the entrance. Japanese tea ceremony (Sado) protocols for removing outer garments. Onsen culture scenes in many anime series.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Entering a house

靴を脱ぐ
お邪魔します
揃える
スリッパ

Going to a doctor

シャツを脱ぐ
深呼吸
横になる
診察

Visiting an Onsen

服を脱ぐ
脱衣所
タオル
洗い場

Changing for gym

着替える
制服を脱ぐ
運動着
ロッカー

Hot weather

上着を脱ぐ
暑い
半袖
汗をかく

Conversation Starters

"ここで靴を脱ぐ必要がありますか？ (Do I need to take off my shoes here?)"

"そのコート、脱いでもいいですよ。 (You can take off that coat, you know.)"

"日本の家では、どこで靴を脱ぎますか？ (Where do you take off shoes in a Japanese house?)"

"このブーツ、脱ぐのが大変そうですね。 (Those boots look like they're hard to take off.)"

"温泉では、どこで服を脱げばいいですか？ (Where should I take off my clothes at the hot spring?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、何回靴を脱ぎましたか？その場所を書いてください。 (How many times did you take off your shoes today? Write the places.)

日本の脱ぐ文化について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the Japanese culture of taking things off?)

脱ぐのが一番難しい服は何ですか？理由も書いてください。 (What is the hardest piece of clothing to take off? Write the reason too.)

初めて日本の家に行った時、靴を脱ぐのをどう感じましたか？ (How did you feel about taking off your shoes when you first went to a Japanese house?)

「一肌脱ぐ」という言葉を使って、誰かを助けた時のことを書いてください。 (Write about a time you helped someone using the idiom 'hitohada nugu'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it's better to use 'hazusu' or 'toru'. 'Nugu' is for items that wrap around limbs or the torso.

No, it is 'nuide'. 'Nuite' comes from 'nuku' (to pull out), which can lead to funny misunderstandings.

Yes, 'mizugi wo nugu' is perfectly correct as it is a piece of clothing.

Use 'hazusu' (to unfasten). 'Tokei wo hazusu' is the natural way to say take off a watch.

It can be used if an animal is wearing human-made clothes, or metaphorically for a snake shedding skin (dappi/nugu).

The dictionary form 'nugu' is casual. Use 'nugimasu' for politeness or 'nuide kudasai' for requests.

For upper body, it's 'kiru'. For lower body/shoes, it's 'haku'.

Usually 'hazusu' is used for masks because of the ear loops, but some people might say 'nugu' casually.

Yes, it is 脱. It means to strip, take off, or escape.

Use the stem 'nugi' + 'yasui' to get 'nugiyasui'.