Japanese word

袖

Pronunciation

Romajisode

Meaning

  • nounsleeve

Example

このシャツは袖が短いです。ko no sha tsu wa sode ga mijika i de su

This shirt has short sleeves.

Illustration for 袖 (sleeve)

More examples

料理を始める前に、袖をまくります。ryō ri o haji me ru mae ni sode o ma ku ri ma su

Before I start cooking, I roll up my sleeves.

Core concept

Refers to the section of clothing that surrounds or covers the arm.

Common phrases

  • 袖が長いsode ga naga i

    have long sleeves

  • 袖をまくるsode o ma ku ru

    roll up one's sleeves

  • 袖を通すsode o tō su

    put on a garment

Definition in Japanese

衣服の腕を通す部分。i fuku no ude o tō su bu bun

Word origin

袖 (sode, "sleeve") is a native Japanese word, while 袖 is a Chinese character adopted to represent its meaning; the word's earlier origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In descriptions of 着物 (kimono, "traditional clothing"), 袖 (sode) can mean the broad hanging sleeve, not only a close-fitting modern sleeve.

Word lists with this word