Japanese word

布団

Pronunciation

Romajifuton

Meaning

  • nounfuton

Example

私は布団で寝ます。watashi wa fu ton de ne ma su

I sleep on a futon.

Illustration for 布団 (futon)

More examples

冬は厚い布団を使います。fuyu wa atsu i fu ton o tsuka i ma su

I use a thick futon in winter.

Core concept

Describes bedding arranged for sleeping, often spread on the floor and folded away when not in use.

Common phrases

  • 布団を敷くfu ton o shi ku

    lay out a futon

  • 布団で寝るfu ton de ne ru

    sleep on a futon

  • 布団をたたむfu ton o ta ta mu

    fold up a futon

  • 布団を干すfu ton o ho su

    air out a futon

  • 布団をかけるfu ton o ka ke ru

    cover oneself with a futon

Similar words

寝具shingu: Items used for sleeping, including bedding such as mattresses, blankets, and pillows.

Definition in Japanese

睡眠時に体の下に敷いたり上に掛けたりする寝具。sui min ji ni karada no shita ni shi i ta ri ue ni ka ke ta ri su ru shin gu

Word origin

The Japanese word 布団 (futon) comes from the older spelling 蒲団 (futon, "cattail-filled cushion"), borrowed from Chinese and later broadened from a cushion to bedding.

Usage tips

  • In English, futon often means a sofa that folds into a bed, while Japanese 布団 (futon) usually means bedding laid directly on the floor.

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