Meaning
The kanji 衣 (い, ころも) primarily means clothing, garment, robe, or clothes in a general sense. It's a fundamental character related to all types of apparel, from everyday wear to more formal or ceremonial robes. In some contexts, it can also refer to the covering or outer layer of something, or even symbolically, the 'skin' or 'coating' of an object. Its versatility means you'll frequently encounter this kanji in both simple and complex Japanese expressions.
Its origin lies in a fascinating pictograph. The ancient form of 衣 graphically represented a piece of clothing or a garment hanging, specifically depicting a flowing robe with sleeves. You can still see this visual connection in its modern form. The top part, with a short horizontal stroke and a downward hook, can be imagined as the collar or top opening of a garment. The two descending strokes and the bottom horizontal stroke form the body and hem of a flowing piece of cloth, perhaps a robe or a coat. This direct visual representation makes its meaning quite intuitive once its etymology is understood. While the form has been stylized over time, its essence as a depiction of a garment remains remarkably clear, providing a strong visual link to its meaning.
Composed of 6 strokes, the kanji 衣 is relatively simple to write and remember. It's designated as a Grade 4 kanji in the Japanese elementary school system, meaning it's a basic and common character taught to younger students. For those studying Japanese as a foreign language, it's classified under the JLPT N3 level, making it relevant for intermediate learners building their vocabulary and kanji knowledge.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi reading of 衣 is イ (i). This reading is derived from Chinese and is typically used when 衣 appears as part of a compound word, especially with other kanji of Chinese origin. You'll often find it in more formal, academic, or technical terms related to apparel, coverings, or basic necessities.
- 衣服 (ifuku) — meaning clothes; garments. This is a common, general term for items of clothing, often used to refer to one's wardrobe.
- 衣料 (iryō) — meaning clothing; material for clothing; textiles. This term is frequently used in the context of the clothing industry, fabrics, or raw materials for apparel.
- 衣食住 (ishokujū) — meaning food, clothing, and shelter. This compound highlights clothing as one of the fundamental necessities for human life, alongside food and housing.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi reading for 衣 is ころも (koromo). This reading reflects the kanji's indigenous Japanese meaning and is often used to refer to a robe, gown, or a specific type of traditional garment. It can also be used metaphorically to mean a "covering," "coating," or a "layer," especially in a literary or poetic sense.
- 衣 (koromo) — meaning robe; gown; garment. When used alone with this reading, it often implies a more formal, traditional, or ceremonial type of attire, such as a monk's robe or a court garment.
- 衣替え (koromogae) — meaning changing clothes for the season; seasonal change of clothes. This cultural practice involves changing one's wardrobe to suit the changing seasons, typically from winter to summer clothes and vice versa.
- 打ち衣 (uchiginu) — meaning an outer garment worn by court nobles in historical contexts. This specific term shows how ころも is used in describing traditional Japanese attire.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 衣 appears in numerous everyday and specialized Japanese words, primarily related to clothing, coverings, and associated concepts. Learning these compounds is essential for expanding your vocabulary and understanding how 衣 functions in different contexts.
General Clothing Terms:
衣服 (ifuku) — clothes, garments. This is a widely used term to refer to items of clothing you might wear.
衣類 (irui) — clothes, garments, apparel. Similar to 衣服, often used for a collection of clothing items, such as laundry or a wardrobe.
衣料品 (iryōhin) — clothing items, apparel goods. This term is frequently seen in retail settings, referring to goods sold in a clothing store.
Specific Types of Garments:
白衣 (hakui) — white coat, white robe. Commonly refers to uniforms like a doctor's lab coat, a nurse's uniform, or a traditional white garment.
僧衣 (sōi) — priest's robe, cassock. The specific traditional attire worn by Buddhist monks.
寝衣 (shin'i) — nightclothes, pajamas. Clothing specifically worn for sleeping.
浴衣 (yukata) — yukata (summer kimono). A casual, typically cotton, kimono worn during summer, often at festivals or hot springs.
外衣 (gaii) — outer garment, overcoat. Refers to a coat, jacket, or other outerwear worn over one's main clothes.
Related Concepts and Expressions:
衣食住 (ishokujū) — food, clothing, and shelter. A fundamental phrase representing the three basic necessities for human life and survival.
衣替え (koromogae) — changing clothes for the season. The traditional Japanese practice of changing one's wardrobe at the transition of seasons.
薄衣 (usuginu) — thin clothes, thin silk. Often used in literary or historical contexts to describe delicate, light fabrics or garments.
Example Sentences
新しい衣服を買いました。
Atarashii ifuku o kaimashita.
I bought new clothes.
汚れた衣類を洗濯機に入れてください。
Yogoreta irui o sentakuki ni irete kudasai.
Please put the dirty clothes in the washing machine.
医者は清潔な白衣を着ています。
Isha wa seiketsu na hakui o kiteimasu.
The doctor is wearing a clean white coat.
夏には浴衣を着て花火大会に行くのが楽しみです。
Natsu ni wa yukata o kite hanabi taikai ni iku no ga tanoshimi desu.
In summer, I look forward to wearing a yukata and going to fireworks festivals.
日本では季節の変わり目に衣替えをすることが一般的です。
Nihon de wa kisetsu no kawarime ni koromogae o suru koto ga ippanteki desu.
In Japan, it is common to change clothes for the season.
彼は寝衣のままでキッチンに入ってきた。
Kare wa shin'i no mama de kitchen ni haitte kita.
He came into the kitchen in his nightclothes.
生きていく上で、衣食住は人間の生活に必要不可欠です。
Ikiteiku ue de, ishokujū wa ningen no seikatsu ni hitsuyō fukaketsu desu.
Food, clothing, and shelter are indispensable for human life.
僧侶は厳粛な儀式のために特別な僧衣を着ています。
Sōryo wa genshuku na gishiki no tame ni tokubetsu na sōi o kiteimasu.
The monk is wearing a special robe for the solemn ceremony.
このデパートでは、様々なブランドの衣料品が手に入ります。
Kono depāto de wa, samazama na burando no iryōhin ga te ni hairimasu.
Various brands of clothing items are available at this department store.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 衣, visualize it as a simple, stylized drawing of a piece of clothing, perhaps a flowing robe or a shirt hanging gracefully. The top three strokes (亠) can be imagined as the collar or the top opening of a garment, or even a hanger from which it dangles. The longer, more expansive strokes that follow suggest the fabric draping down, forming the body and sleeves of the attire. Think of it as a minimalistic sketch of an item of apparel, emphasizing its overall shape and fluidity. By associating 衣 with this clear and direct image of a hanging garment, its core meaning of "clothing" or "garment" becomes intuitive and easy to recall, making it easier to remember.