Translation and Meaning of: 背広 - sebiro

If you have ever wondered what the Japanese word 背広[せびろ] means, this article will clarify everything about it. We will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japan. In addition, we will understand its cultural context and some tips to memorize it easily. Whether you are a Japanese student or just curious, this guide will help you master this useful term.

Meaning and Origin of 背広

The word 背広[せびろ] refers to a "suit" or "formal attire" in Japanese. It is used to describe men's formal clothing, especially those worn in corporate environments or important events. The term has an interesting origin: it is believed to come from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word "Savile Row," a famous street in London known for its luxury tailoring.

In Japan, the use of 背広 is deeply connected to the business culture. Unlike in other countries where the dress code can be more flexible, in Japan, the suit is almost mandatory in many work environments. This reflects the importance of formality and respect for hierarchies in Japanese society.

Cultural Use and Frequency

The 背広 is not just a piece of clothing, but a symbol of status and professionalism in Japan. It is common to see men wearing suits on crowded trains during rush hour, on their way to work. This image has become so iconic that it represents the so-called "salaryman," the Japanese salaried worker.

Despite its cultural importance, in recent years there has been a movement to relax dress codes in some Japanese companies. This is due to both generational changes and the need for greater comfort, especially during Japan's hot and humid summers. However, the 背広 (suit) remains the standard attire for formal occasions.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

To memorize this word, a useful tip is to associate the sound "sebiro" with "Savile Row," its likely origin. This phonetic connection can help anchor the term in memory. Another strategy is to remember that 背広 represents Japanese formality, which is so characteristic of the corporate environments in the country.

When using the word, it is important to remember that 背広 specifically refers to men's suits. For formal women's clothing, the Japanese use other terms. It is also worth noting that, although it is an adapted loanword, 背広 is written with kanji that convey the idea of "broad shoulders," possibly referring to the cut of the jacket.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• スーツ (suutsu) - Formal Western attire, usually worn in work environments.
• 着物 (kimono) - Traditional Japanese clothing, characterized by its wide sleeves and sash (obi), worn on various occasions.

背広

Romaji: sebiro
Kana: せびろ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: business attire

Meaning in English: business suit

Definition: Suit composed of a jacket and pants to be worn in business situations.

Example Sentences - (背広) sebiro

See below some example sentences:

私は背広を着て会議に出席します。

Watashi wa sebiro o kite kaigi ni shusseki shimasu

I'm going to wear a suit and attend the meeting.

I will attend the meeting wearing a suit.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 背広 - Japanese noun meaning "suit"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 着て - Japanese verb meaning "to put on"
• 会議 - Japanese noun meaning "meeting"
• に - Japanese particle indicating the place where the action takes place
• 出席します - Japanese verb meaning "to attend"