Translation and Meaning of: 寝間着 - nemaki

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 寝間着 (ねまき). It appears in everyday conversations, in animes, and even in stores selling traditional Japanese items. But what exactly does this term mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and cultural use, as well as practical tips for memorizing it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to master the language naturally.

The meaning and writing of 寝間着

The word 寝間着 (ねまき) refers to what we call "sleepwear" or "pajamas." It is composed of three kanji: 寝 (ね), which means "to sleep"; 間 (ま), which indicates "space" or "interval"; and 着 (き), which relates to "to wear" or "clothing." Together, these characters form the idea of a garment used specifically for sleeping.

It is worth noting that, although ねまき is the most common reading, the kanji can also be read as "shinkan-chaku" in formal or technical contexts. However, this pronunciation is rare in everyday life. If you want to sound natural when talking about sleepwear in Japanese, ねまき is the safest and most widely understood form.

Cultural and everyday use

In Japan, 寝間着 goes beyond a simple piece of clothing. It reflects values such as practicality and comfort, which are very present in the Japanese lifestyle. Unlike some Western countries, where old t-shirts or shorts may serve as pajamas, the Japanese often have clothes dedicated exclusively for sleeping, often made with lightweight fabrics and traditional patterns.

In summer festivals or in anime scenes, you might notice characters wearing ねまき during nighttime activities, such as watching fireworks. This detail shows how the attire is integrated not only into sleep but also into moments of relaxation at home. Interestingly, many stores in Japan sell sets of 寝間着 that match the whole family, reinforcing the idea of domestic harmony.

Tips for memorizing and using 寝間着

An effective way to memorize the word 寝間着 is to associate its kanji with concrete situations. Think of 寝 (sleep) + 間 (space) + 着 (clothes) = "clothes for the sleeping space." This logical decomposition helps to understand not only the term but also the structure of the Japanese language, which often combines ideograms to create new meanings.

If you practice Japanese with flashcards or apps like Anki, include sentences like "毎晩、寝間着を着て寝ます" (Every night, I put on my pajamas and sleep) to contextualize the vocabulary. Observing the use of the word in dramas or manga is also helpful, as auditory and visual repetition aids in assimilation. And don’t worry: even if pronunciation seems challenging at first, ねまき is one of those words that quickly becomes familiar with practice.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• パジャマ (pajama) - Sleepwear, usually consisting of a shirt and pants.
• 睡衣 (suii) - Sleepwear, usually a more generic term that can include different styles.
• 寝衣 (nei) - Sleepwear, a formal term that refers to clothing worn during sleep.
• 寝巻き (nemaki) - Sleepwear, often associated with a more traditional or specific style in Japan.

寝間着

Romaji: nemaki
Kana: ねまき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Sleep-Wear; nightclubs; pajamas; nightgown; nightgown

Meaning in English: sleep-wear;nightclothes;pyjamas;nightgown;nightdress

Definition: Clothes you wear when you sleep.

Example Sentences - (寝間着) nemaki

See below some example sentences:

寝間着を着て寝るのが好きです。

Nemaki o kite neru no ga suki desu

I like to sleep wearing my pajamas.

I like to sleep on a night -oup.

• 寝間着 - sleepwear
• を - object particle
• 着て - Verb "to dress" in the gerund
• 寝る - verb to sleep
• のが - nominalization particle
• 好き - adjective like
• です - verb to be in the present