Japanese word

帯

Pronunciation

Romajiobi

Meaning

  • nounsash

Example

着物の帯を締めます。ki mono no obi o shi me ma su

I tie the kimono sash.

Illustration for 帯 (sash)

More examples

着物の帯の結び目を後ろに回します。ki mono no obi no musu bi me o ushi ro ni mawa shi ma su

I move the knot of the kimono sash to the back.

Core concept

帯 (obi) is a strip of cloth wrapped around the waist to secure clothing and complete its appearance.

Common phrases

  • 帯を締めるobi o shi me ru

    tie a sash

  • 帯の結び方obi no musu bi kata

    way to tie a sash

  • 帯の結び目obi no musu bi me

    sash knot

  • 帯をほどくobi o ho do ku

    untie a sash

Definition in Japanese

着物などの衣服の腰に巻いて結ぶ細長い布。ki mono na do no i fuku no koshi ni ma i te musu bu hoso naga i nuno

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 帯 (obi, "sash") is connected with the Old Japanese verb 帯ぶ (obu, "to wear around the body"), which describes its basic function.

Usage tips

  • In English, obi is often retained as a loanword for a kimono sash, while sash can refer to bands worn with many other kinds of clothing.

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