Translation and Meaning of: 上着 - uwagi

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you have probably come across the word 上着[うわぎ]. It is quite common in everyday life and appears in situations ranging from informal conversations to fashion manuals. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in Japan, as well as practical tips for memorizing it. Whether to expand your vocabulary or understand cultural nuances, this guide will help.

What does 上着[うわぎ] mean?

The word 上着[うわぎ] refers to any type of clothing that is worn over other pieces, such as coats, blazers, or jackets. Literally, the kanji 上 (uwá) means "above" or "upper," while 着 (gi) comes from 着る (kiru), which means "to wear." Together, they form the concept of "upper clothing."

In Japan, the term is used broadly, encompassing everything from heavy outerwear in winter to light vests in summer. Unlike specific terms such as コート (kōto, "long coat") or ジャケット (jaketto, "jacket"), 上着 is more generic and useful in various situations.

Origin and Cultural Use

The etymology of 上着 dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when the distinction between inner clothing (下着, shitagi) and outer clothing became more relevant in Japanese fashion. Before that, kimonos were often worn without complex overlays, but the influence of social classes and formal occasions solidified terms like this.

Today, 上着 is a neutral and everyday word. It appears in department stores, weather forecasts ("今日は上着が必要です" – "Today you will need a jacket") and even in animes like "Shirokuma Café", where characters comment on changing their 上着 according to the season.

Tips for memorizing and using

A simple way to remember 上着 (uwagi) is to associate it with its opposite 下着 (shitagi, "underwear"). While one is worn underneath, the other covers. Another strategy is to recall the verb 着る (kiru), present in the second kanji, which indicates the action of wearing.

In trips to Japan, it is worth noting that signs in stores or train stations may use 上着 to indicate areas where jackets are required (such as in restaurants with strong air conditioning). If someone says "上着を脱いで" (Uwagi o nuide), it means "Take off your jacket" – an invitation to feel comfortable.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ジャケット (Jaketto) - Jacket, usually made of lightweight material
• コート (Kooto) - Coat, usually longer and heavier
• アウター (Autaa) - General phrase for outerwear like jackets and coats

上着

Romaji: uwagi
Kana: うわぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: coat; tunica; jacket; outer clothing

Meaning in English: coat;tunic;jacket;outer garment

Definition: Clothes worn over underwear. cloak.

Example Sentences - (上着) uwagi

See below some example sentences:

私の上着はとても暖かいです。

Watashi no uwagi wa totemo atatakai desu

My jacket is very hot.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 上着 - noun that means "coat"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 暖かい - adjective that means "hot"
• です - verb that indicates the polite and respectful form of the present, equivalent to "is/are"