Japanese word

上着

Pronunciation

Romajiuwagi

Meaning

  • nounjacket

Example

外は寒いので、上着を着ます。soto wa samu i no de uwa gi o ki ma su

It is cold outside, so I put on a jacket.

Illustration for 上着 (jacket)

More examples

雨が降りそうなので、上着を持っていきます。ame ga fu ri sō na no de uwa gi o mo tte i ki ma su

It looks like rain, so I will take a jacket with me.

Core concept

Refers to the outer garment that covers the upper body over the clothes worn underneath.

Common phrases

  • 上着を着るuwa gi o ki ru

    put on a jacket

  • 上着を脱ぐuwa gi o nu gu

    take off a jacket

  • 上着を羽織るuwa gi o ha o ru

    put on a jacket

Similar words

ジャケットjaketto: A short outer garment that covers the upper body, often with sleeves and a front opening.
コートkōto: A longer and warmer outer garment worn over other clothes, especially in cold or wet weather.

Definition in Japanese

上半身に着る、外側の衣服。jō han shin ni ki ru soto gawa no i fuku

Word origin

The native compound 上着 (uwagi) combines 上 (uwa, "upper or outer") with 着 (gi, "clothing"), which explains its sense of an outer garment.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English jacket, 上着 (uwagi) can also refer to a coat when the main point is that it is worn as an outer layer.

Other meanings

  • coatnoun

Word lists with this word