Meaning

Primary

Clothing

Alternatives

Costume, Outfit

Word Type

noun

Explanation

Clothes and attire makes this clothing at its core, but these days, it often refers to special costumes or outfits.

This commonly refers to special or ceremonial clothing, costumes, stage outfits, traditional cultural clothing, etc. For some example usages, feel free to check out our common word combinations and example sentences!

Reading

いしょう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. While you've learned these for both of the kanji, actually uses one you haven't learned, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You know whose wardrobe was definitely full of special clothing, costumes and outfits? The shogun's (しょう)! Know all those old-timey looking paintings of shoguns in their regal attire? Just think of that when you have to remember this reading for !

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 衣装を着る

    to wear a costume

    衣装をまとう

    to don a costume

    衣装をつける

    to put on a costume

Context Sentences

あの歌手の衣装はいつも派手です。

That singer's outfits are always flashy.

この辺にレンタル衣装屋さんってある?

Is there a costume rental shop around here?

すみません!次の衣装に着替えるのに、少し手こずってしまって。

I'm sorry! I had a little trouble changing into the next costume.

Kanji Composition