Translation and Meaning of: 帯 - obi

The Japanese word 帯[おび] (obi) is a term that carries deep meanings and varied uses in Japanese culture. If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about the language, understanding what this word represents can open doors to interesting cultural and linguistic knowledge. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 帯, as well as tips to memorize it and curiosities that go beyond the dictionary.

帯 is one of those words that frequently appears in everyday Japan, whether in traditional or modern contexts. Whether in garments like the kimono or in idiomatic expressions, its meaning goes far beyond a simple translation. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly learn Japanese, so let's get straight to the point!

Meaning and usage of 帯 in Japanese

帯, read as "obi," originally refers to the sash or belt used to tie traditional Japanese garments, such as the kimono and yukata. However, its meaning is not limited to just the physical object. In some contexts, the word can be used to describe things that "envelop" or "surround," such as in 電線の帯 (fita de cabos elétricos).

The most common use of 帯 is related to Japanese fashion. There are different types of obi, such as 名古屋帯 (Nagoya obi) and 袋帯 (fukuro obi), each with a specific style and level of formality. Knowing how to distinguish them can be useful for those interested in traditional Japanese culture or even for those who want to wear a kimono correctly.

The origin and writing of the kanji 帯

The kanji 帯 is composed of the radical 巾 (which represents cloth or fabric) combined with other parts that suggest the idea of "wrapping" or "carrying." Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already represented something that binds or ties. Over the centuries, the character has maintained this essence, both in writing and in meaning.

An interesting fact is that 帯 also appears in compound words, such as 帯刀 (taitō, "to carry a sword") or 帯状疱疹 (taijōhōshin, "shingles"), showing its versatility. For those learning kanji, noticing these patterns can aid in memorization, since the radical 巾 appears in other characters related to fabrics, such as 幅 (haba, "width").

Tips for memorizing and using 帯

If you want to memorize the word 帯, a good strategy is to associate it with concrete images. Think of the obi as the sash that "holds" the kimono in place – this function of "tying" or "wrapping" is present both in the meaning and in the kanji itself. Another tip is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as "彼女は赤い帯を締めている" (She is wearing a red sash).

In addition, paying attention to related terms can expand your vocabulary. For example, 帯びる (obiru) is a verb that means "to carry" or "to possess" (as in 責任を帯びる - "to assume responsibility"). This connection between noun and verb makes learning easier and shows how a single root can generate multiple meanings.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 帯状 (Taijou) - A ribbon or strip shape, usually long and narrow.
• ベルト (Beruto) - Belt, used to hold clothes or accessories.
• サッシュ (Sasshu) - Decorative belt, usually worn around the waist.
• ウエストバンド (Uesutobando) - Belt that fits around the waist, usually part of sportswear.
• ウエストベルト (Uesutoberuto) - Belt or sash that fits around the waist.
• ウエストサッシュ (Uesutosasshu) - Decorative band that fits around the waist.
• ウエスト帯 (Uesutoband) - Belt or band that wraps around the waist.
• 腰帯 (Koshiobi) - Band or strip that surrounds the lower part of the trunk.
• 腰巻き (Koshimaki) - Belt or cloth worn around the waist, often for coverage purposes.
• 紐帯 (Himotai) - Band made of cord or thread, used to tie or secure.
• 紐巻き (Himomaki) - Rope or thread that is wrapped or tied around something.
• 紐状 (Himojou) - String or ribbon shape.
• 紐縛り (Himobari) - Tie with a cord, bind something.
• 紐束ね (Himosukune) - Tie with cords, join several things.
• 紐束ねる (Himosakuneru) - The act of tying or joining with cords.
• 紐結び (Himomusubi) - Knot or tie made with a cord.
• 紐結びる (Himomusubiru) - To form a knot or tying with a cord.
• 紐締め (Himoshime) - Close or tie something with a cord.
• 紐締める (Himoshimeru) - The act of closing or tying something with a cord.
• 紐縛る (Himobaru) - Tie something with a cord.
• 紐縛り付ける (Himobaritsukeru) - Tying something with a string.
• 紐縛りつける (Himobaritsukeru) - Tie and bind something with cord.
• 紐縛り上げる (Himobariageru) - Lift or tie something with a cord.
• 紐縛り上 (Himobariaue) - High tying, referring to the position of a loop or cord.

帯

Romaji: obi
Kana: おび
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: obi (kimono sash)

Meaning in English: obi (kimono sash)

Definition: A fabric that is worn from the waist down.

Example Sentences - (帯) obi

See below some example sentences:

私は古い携帯電話を新しいものに代えました。

Watashi wa furui keitai denwa wo atarashii mono ni kaemashita

I swapped my old phone for a new one.

I replaced the old cell phone with a new one.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 古い (furui) - adjective meaning "old"
• 携帯電話 (keitai denwa) - mobile phone
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
• もの (mono) - noun that means "thing"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction of the action
• 代えました (kaemashita) - The verb that means "I exchanged" is "trocado".

熱帯雨林は生命の宝庫です。

Nettai urin wa seimei no hōko desu

Tropical forests are life's treasures.

The rainforest is a treasure of life.

• 熱帯雨林 (nettai urin) - Tropical forest
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 生命 (seimei) - life
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 宝庫 (houko) - treasure
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

温帯は四季がある地域です。

Ondai wa shiki ga aru chiiki desu

The temperate region has four seasons.

The temperature zone is an area with the four seasons.

• 温帯 - temperate region
• 四季 - The four stations
• が - particle that indicates subject
• ある - verb "to exist"
• 地域 - área, região
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

携帯電話は私たちの生活に欠かせないものになっています。

Keitai denwa wa watashitachi no seikatsu ni kakasenai mono ni natte imasu

Cell phones have become indispensable in our daily lives.

Cell phones are indispensable to our lives.

• 携帯電話 (keitai denwa) - cell phone
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私たち (watashitachi) - we
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 生活 (seikatsu) - life, lifestyle
• に (ni) - target particle
• 欠かせない (kakasenai) - indispensable
• もの (mono) - thing
• に (ni) - target particle
• なっています (natte imasu) - has become, is becoming

彼女の携帯は粉々になった。

Kanojo no keitai wa konagona ni natta

Her cell phone was in pieces.

Her cell phone was broken.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 携帯 - cell
• は - (topic particle)
• 粉々 - in pieces
• に - (destination particle)
• なった - became

一帯には美しい自然がたくさんあります。

Ittai ni wa utsukushii shizen ga takusan arimasu

There are a lot of beautiful nature in the area.

• 一帯 - region, area
• には - particle indicating location
• 美しい - Beautiful, nice
• 自然 - nature
• が - particle that indicates subject
• たくさん - many, much
• あります - exist, be present

帯を締めると姿勢が良くなる。

Obi wo shimeru to shisei ga yoku naru

When the OBI is tightened, posture improves.

• 帯 (obi) - Japanese belt
• を (wo) - object particle
• 締める (shimeru) - tighten, tie
• と (to) - connecting particle
• 姿勢 (shisei) - posture, body position
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 良く (yoku) - well, good
• なる (naru) - become, stay

彼女は常に自信を帯びている。

Kanojo wa tsuneni jishin o obite iru

She always carries with her confidence.

She is always confident.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 常に (tsuneni) - always
• 自信 (jishin) - Confidence
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 帯びている (ota bite iru) - is loading/possessing

私は包帯を巻いています。

Watashi wa hōtai o maitte imasu

I am rolling a bandage.

I have a bandage.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 包帯 - noun meaning "bandage"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 巻いています - The verb that means "to be procrastinating" in the present and polite form is "引き延ばす" (ひきのばす / hikinobasu).