Translation and Meaning of: 着物 - kimono

The Japanese word 着物[きもの] is one of those that quickly draws the attention of anyone who starts studying the language. Not only because of the elegant appearance of the kanjis, but also due to its strong connection with Japan's traditional culture. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday use of this expression, as well as curiosities that help to understand why it is so special to the Japanese people. If you've ever wondered how to memorize it or in what contexts it appears, keep reading!

Meaning and origin of 着物

In Japanese, 着物 literally means "thing to wear" – a direct translation of the kanji 着 (to wear) and 物 (thing). However, its usage goes far beyond the literal sense. Originally, the term was applied to any type of clothing, but over time it came to specifically refer to traditional Japanese garments, such as the kimono we know today.

Interestingly, the word gained this more restricted meaning during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan began to adopt Western clothing. Before that, 着物 was used for any piece of clothing, but the distinction became necessary with the modernization of the country. Today, if a Japanese person says "きものを着る" (to wear a kimono), they are hardly referring to a t-shirt or jeans.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In contemporary Japan, 着物 is not a daily word for most people. It appears more frequently in specific contexts, such as festivals, wedding ceremonies, or formal events. Many young people only wear kimonos on special occasions, which gives the term an aura of tradition and elegance.

It is worth noting that, although less common in everyday life, 着物 is still widely recognized and valued. Tourist spots like Kyoto keep specialized kimono rental shops alive, and even foreigners can experience the opportunity to wear this iconic garment. For the Japanese, it represents not only an outfit but a connection to history and national identity.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A simple way to remember 着物 is to associate the first kanji, 着, with verbs like 着る (kiru - to wear). The kanji 物 appears in many other Japanese words, such as 食べ物 (food) or 買い物 (shopping). This combination of "wear + thing" helps to intuitively fix the meaning.

A little-known fact is that, although 着物 is the most commonly used term, the Japanese also use 和服 (わふく) to refer to traditional clothing – with 和 (wa) related to Japan and 服 (fuku) meaning clothing. However, 着物 remains the most romanticized expression and is closely associated with the classic image of the country.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 和服 (Kimono) - Traditional Japanese clothing, usually made of silk and characterized by its long sleeves and long skirt.
• 着衣 (Chakui) - Refers to clothing or garments in general, not specifically to traditional style.
• 羽織 (Hōri) - A type of short jacket worn over the kimono, usually sleeveless.
• 着袴 (Jihakama) - Term used to describe the clothing that includes a hakama, a type of wide trousers that is often worn with the kimono.
• 和衣 (Wai) - Refers to traditional Japanese clothing in general, encompassing various garments.
• 和裝 (Wasō) - Broad term for traditional Japanese clothing/outfits.
• 和服裝 (Wafuku) - Another term to refer to traditional Japanese clothing, especially the kimono.
• 和裝束 (Wasōshuku) - It refers to the set of traditional clothing, usually including a kimono and accessories.
• 和風衣 (Wafūi) - Clothing that shows influences from Japanese style.
• 和風裝 (Wafūzō) - Reference to clothing with a style inspired by Japanese aesthetics.
• 和風裝束 (Wafūshuku) - A set of clothes that follows a Japanese style, but may not necessarily be traditional.
• 日本式衣裝 (Nihonshiki isō) - Outfit with Japanese style, which can include both traditional and modern clothing.
• 日式衣裝 (Nichishi isō) - Term for clothing of Japanese style, focusing on a more contemporary context.
• 日式服裝 (Nichishi fukuzō) - Reference to clothing with influences from contemporary Japanese style.
• 日式裝束 (Nichishi zōshuku) - A set of clothing that combines elements of Japanese style, usually in informal situations.

着物

Romaji: kimono
Kana: きもの
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: kimono

Meaning in English: kimono

Definition: Traditional Japanese clothing.

Example Sentences - (着物) kimono

See below some example sentences:

粋な着物を着ている。

Iki na kimono o kite iru

I am wearing an elegant kimono.

I am wearing an elegant kimono.

• 粋 (いき) - elegant, refined
• 着物 (きもの) - kimono, traditional Japanese clothing
• 着ている (きている) - is wearing

私は自分で着物を仕立てました。

Watashi wa jibun de kimono o shitaterimashita

I made my own kimono.

I made my own kimono.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 自分 (jibun) - means "myself" or "yourself"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or method used to perform the action, in this case "by oneself"
• 着物 (kimono) - traditional Japanese clothing
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case "kimono"
• 仕立てました (shitatemasu) - verb that means "to make" or "to create," in the affirmative past tense

この着物の模様は美しいですね。

Kono kimono no moyou wa utsukushii desu ne

The pattern of this kimono is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 着物 - The word that means "kimono," a traditional Japanese garment.
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 模様 - word that means "pattern" or "design"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates courtesy or formality
• ね - particle that indicates confirmation or agreement

私は古い着物を繕いました。

Watashi wa furui kimono wo tsukuroimashita

I fixed an old kimono.

I noticed the old kimono.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 古い (furui) - adjective meaning "old"
• 着物 (kimono) - noun meaning "kimono", a traditional Japanese garment
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 繕いました (tsukuraimashita) - verb that means "I fixed" or "I repaired"

裾が長い着物を着ています。

Susono ga nagai kimono wo kiteimasu

I'm wearing a kimono with a long hem.

I wear a long kimono with a hem.

• 裾 - It means "sheath" or "edge" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 長い - adjective meaning "long" in Japanese.
• 着物 - The word that means "kimono" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 着ています - verb that means "to wear" in Japanese, conjugated in the present continuous.