A uniform is clothing that identifies a person as a member of a specific organization or group.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Standardized clothing worn by members of a specific group.
- Commonly used for students, police, and service staff.
- Symbolizes belonging, discipline, and professional identity.
Overview
- 1概要：「制服（せいふく）」は、特定の集団に所属するメンバーが共通のルールに基づいて着用する服を指します。外見を統一することで、個人の区別よりも組織の一員であることを強調する役割があります。2) 使用パターン：「制服を着る（to wear a uniform）」、「制服に着替える（to change into a uniform）」、「制服姿（the appearance of wearing a uniform）」といった表現が一般的です。また、学校の制服は「学生服」や「ブレザー」などと具体的に呼ばれることもあります。3) 一般的な文脈：学校（小・中・高）、警察官、消防士、自衛隊、航空会社の客室乗務員、ホテルのスタッフ、飲食店など、多くの現場で見られます。日本では特に学校の制服文化が根強く、学校選びの基準の一つになることもあります。4) 類似語との比較：「服装（ふくそう）」は広い意味での着ているもの全般を指し、ルールが決まっているわけではありません。「衣装（いしょう）」は舞台やイベントなどで着る特別な服を指します。「制服」は組織の規定に基づいている点が最大の特徴です。
Examples
私は高校の制服が好きです。
everydayI like my high school uniform.
警察官は制服を着て働いています。
formalPolice officers wear uniforms while working.
制服に着替えてから行きましょう。
informalLet's change into our uniforms and go.
多くの企業が制服の廃止を検討しています。
academicMany companies are considering abolishing uniforms.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
制服を着こなす
To wear a uniform stylishly
制服を支給する
To provide uniforms
制服で通学する
To go to school in uniform
Often Confused With
Shifuku means casual clothes or civilian clothes. It is the direct opposite of a uniform.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and used in both formal and informal settings. It is widely understood across all generations. When referring to a specific job's clothing, you might use more specific terms like '作業着' (work clothes).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use '衣装' for a work uniform. Remember that '衣装' is for costumes, whereas '制服' is for professional or institutional uniforms.
Tips
Use with the verb 着る
Always pair '制服' with '着る' (to wear) or '脱ぐ' (to take off). You can say '制服を着ている' to describe someone currently in uniform.
Do not confuse with costume
While '制服' is a uniform, '衣装' (ishou) is for costumes used in performances. Don't call a work uniform an '衣装'.
School uniform culture in Japan
School uniforms are highly symbolic in Japan. They often represent the school's tradition and are worn with pride by students.
Word Origin
The word consists of '制' (se-i: regulation/system) and '服' (fuku: clothes). It emerged during the modernization of Japan to indicate social or institutional roles.
Cultural Context
Uniforms are extremely common in Japanese schools and workplaces. They serve to reduce social pressure regarding fashion and emphasize equality among members.
Memory Tip
Think of '制' (regulation/control) + '服' (clothes). It literally means 'regulated clothes'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions学校の制服は指定の専門店や百貨店で購入するのが一般的です。会社の場合は、会社から支給されることがほとんどです。
制服は組織が決めたルールで着る服ですが、私服は自分の好みで選ぶ服のことです。対義語としてよく使われます。
所属意識が高まることや、何をしている人か一目でわかるため周囲が安心できるという利点があります。また、服選びの時間を節約できるという実用的な側面もあります。
Test Yourself
学校へ行くときは、毎日___を着ます。
学校の決まった服装は「制服」と言います。
Score: /1
Summary
A uniform is clothing that identifies a person as a member of a specific organization or group.
- Standardized clothing worn by members of a specific group.
- Commonly used for students, police, and service staff.
- Symbolizes belonging, discipline, and professional identity.
Use with the verb 着る
Always pair '制服' with '着る' (to wear) or '脱ぐ' (to take off). You can say '制服を着ている' to describe someone currently in uniform.
Do not confuse with costume
While '制服' is a uniform, '衣装' (ishou) is for costumes used in performances. Don't call a work uniform an '衣装'.
School uniform culture in Japan
School uniforms are highly symbolic in Japan. They often represent the school's tradition and are worn with pride by students.
Examples
4 of 4私は高校の制服が好きです。
I like my high school uniform.
警察官は制服を着て働いています。
Police officers wear uniforms while working.
制服に着替えてから行きましょう。
Let's change into our uniforms and go.
多くの企業が制服の廃止を検討しています。
Many companies are considering abolishing uniforms.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More clothing words
ベルト
A2A belt, worn around the waist.
ブラウス
A2A blouse, a loose-fitting upper garment for women.
ブーツ
A2Boots, footwear covering the foot and ankle, often extending up the leg.
着替える
A2To change clothes.
ワンピース
A2A dress, a one-piece garment for women.
生地
A2Fabric or cloth, woven material for clothing.
おしゃれ
A2Stylish, fashionable, well-dressed (na-adjective).
派手
A2Flashy, showy, gaudy (na-adjective).
畳む
A2To fold (clothes, blankets).
干す
A2To hang (laundry) out to dry.
