Translation and Meaning of: 衣類 - irui

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese refer to clothes or garments in a more formal or comprehensive way, the answer lies in the term 衣類[いるい]. In this article, you'll discover not only the meaning and translation of this word but also its origin, how it is used in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. Additionally, if you study Japanese, you'll love to know that here at Suki Nihongo — the largest online Japanese dictionary — you can also find examples of ready-made sentences to include in Anki or any spaced repetition program.

The interesting thing about 衣類 is that it is not limited to just common clothing items, but encomes the whole concept of apparel, from underwear to heavy coats. If you have ever searched on Google for like "formal clothes in Japanese" or "kanji for clothing," you have probably come across this word. And if you really want to understand how it works in the Japanese language, keep reading!

Structure and Origin of Kanji 衣類

The kanji 衣 (い, "i") alone carries the meaning of "clothing" or "garment." It appears in various other related words, such as 衣服 (いふく, "ifuku"), which also means "clothes." The kanji 類 (るい, "rui") has the sense of "type" or "category." When combined, they form 衣類, which can be literally translated as "types of clothing" or "categories of garments." This construction reflects well the use of the word, which encomes different pieces of attire.

Interestingly, the radical of 衣 appears in other kanjis related to fabrics and coverings, such as 裁 (さい, "sai"), which means "to cut" (in the context of sewing), and 装 (そう, "sou"), used in words like 服装 (ふくそう, "fukusou"), which means "outfit" or "style of clothing." This connection between the characters helps to understand how the Japanese language organizes concepts related to clothing.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

Unlike more informal words like 服 (ふく, "fuku"), which is used in everyday conversation to refer to clothing in general, 衣類 appears more often in formal or technical contexts. For example, in department stores, you may see signs for 衣類売り場 (いるい うりば, "irui uriba"), indicating the clothing section. It is also common in washing manuals, where you might read things like 衣類の取り扱い (いるいの とりあつかい, "irui no toriatsukai"), which means "care for clothes".

Another interesting detail is that, although 衣類 can be used for any type of clothing, it sounds more natural when referring to clothes as a set or category. For example, if someone asks 衣類はどこに置きますか？ (いるい は どこに おきますか？, "irui wa doko ni okimasu ka?"), the translation would be "Where do I put the clothes?" — referring to all items, not just a specific t-shirt or pair of pants.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

An effective way to 衣類 is to associate the first kanji, 衣, with an image of a cloak or mantle — something that covers the body. The second kanji, 類, can be linked to the idea of "classification". Think of a drawer full of clothes organized by type: t-shirts, pants, socks... all of these are 衣類! If you use flashcards or Anki, try including a picture of a full wardrobe to reinforce this association.

A cultural curiosity is that in Japan, the care for 衣類 goes beyond simple washing. Many families have the habit of storing winter and summer clothes separately, in special boxes called 衣替え (ころもがえ, "koromogae"). This tradition, which occurs twice a year, reflects the importance given to clothing organization in everyday Japanese life. Who knows, this might inspire you to reorganize your own closet?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 衣服 (ifuku) - Clothing (general term for apparel).
• 服装 (fukusou) - Clothing (focused on style and presentation).
• 衣装 (ishou) - Costume (usually worn for formal attire or specific performances).
• 衣服類 (ifukurui) - Clothing category (classification that encomes different types of apparel).
• 衣服類品 (ifukuruihin) - Clothing articles (items that belong to the category of clothes).