Translation and Meaning of: ドレス - doresu

The Japanese word 「ドレス」 (doresu) is an adaptation of the English term "dress". Its etymology dates back to the early 20th century, when the West began to influence culture and fashion in Japan. The linguistic borrowing is characteristic of many words that are part of modern Japanese vocabulary, reflecting globalization and cultural exchange. The use of katakana, as in 「ドレス」, is common for foreign words, helping to distinguish them from native words like 「服」 (fuku), which means "clothes".

The definition of 「ドレス」 (doresu) refers, in its essence, to a dress or a women's dress. This term not only represents the piece of clothing but also encompasses the idea of elegance and style associated with fashion. In Japanese culture, dresses are often worn on special occasions and formal events, and Western influence has brought a variety of styles that are now part of everyday clothing.

Origin and Cultural Meaning

Historically, dress styles have varied quite a bit over the decades, following changes in fashion trends and social influences. In recent years, the concept of 「ドレス」 (doresu) has expanded to include different types of dresses, such as:

Party dresses (パーティードレス, pātī doresu)
Wedding dresses (ウエディングドレス, uedingu doresu)
Casual dresses (カジュアルドレス, kajuaru doresu)

The use of each of these styles of 「ドレス」 is determined by the context and the occasion, highlighting how fashion can be a reflection of cultural and social traditions.

In summary, the word 「ドレス」 (doresu) is not limited to just a description of clothing. It encapsulates the intersection of cultures and the development of global fashion. This term, therefore, serves as a reminder of how international influences have shaped and enriched Japanese culture, especially in areas as visible as clothing. As new trends continue to emerge, the meaning of 「ドレス」 (doresu) may further evolve and diversify, revealing the versatility of this expression in contemporary Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

衣装 (ishou) - Costume or outfit, usually related to performances or special events.
ワンピース (wanpiisu) - One-piece dress, usually feminine, casual or formal style.
ローブ (roobu) - Manto or robe, usually associated with solemn clothing or ceremonies.
ガウン (gaun) - Gown or toga, often worn on formal occasions.
フロック (furokku) - Dress or short coat, often in a childlike or casual style.

Related words

衣装

ishou

clothing; costume; set; clothing item; dress

シャツ

syatsu

shirt; singlet

服装

fukusou

clothes

番地

banchi

House number; address

入社

nyuusha

entrance to a company

ドレス

Romaji: doresu
Kana: ドレス
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: wear

Meaning in English: dress

Definition: Clothes for women to wear on special occasions.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (ドレス) doresu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (ドレス) doresu:

Example Sentences - (ドレス) doresu

See below some example sentences:

彼女は私に新しいドレスを見せてくれた。

Kanojo wa watashi ni atarashii doresu o miseru te kureta

She showed me a new dress.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
私に (watashi ni) - for me
新しい (atarashii) - new
ドレス (doresu) - dress
を (wo) - direct object particle
見せてくれた (misete kureta) - showed me

私は洋品店で新しいドレスを買いました。

Watashi wa youhinten de atarashii doresu wo kaimashita

I bought a new dress at the western clothing store.

I bought a new dress at a clothing store.

私 - personal pronoun "I"
は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
洋品店 - noun "western clothing store"
で - location particle, indicates that the action of buying took place "in the western clothing store"
新しい - adjective "new"
ドレス - noun "dress"
を - direct object particle, indicates that "new dress" is the direct object of the action of buying
買いました - verb "bought" in the past tense