Translation and Meaning of: 衣服 - ifuku

If you are learning Japanese, you have probably come across the word 衣服[いふく] at some point. This expression, which simply means "clothes," is quite common in everyday Japanese, but it carries interesting nuances in its origin and use. In this article, we will explore the etymology, meaning, and even practical tips to memorize this term — as well as show how it appears in real situations, such as in department stores or in everyday conversations. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find examples of ready-made sentences to include in your Anki and boost your studies!

Origin and etymology of 衣服

The word 衣服[いふく] is composed of two kanjis: 衣 (い, "clothing" or "apparel") and 服 (ふく, "attire" or "to serve"). Together, they reinforce the idea of clothing, but with an interesting historical detail. While 衣 refers to individual pieces, such as shirts or kimonos, 服 brings the notion of something worn on the body in a broader sense — almost like a "uniform." It's no coincidence that this kanji appears in words like 制服[せいふく] (school uniform) or 礼服[れいふく] (formal attire).

Originally, the term emerged in Japan during the Heian period (794–1185), when the imperial court adopted hierarchical clothing systems from China. Unlike 着物[きもの], which specifically refers to the kimono, いふく is more generic — think of it as the Japanese equivalent for "clothes" in the broad sense, from a basic t-shirt to an elegant suit.

Everyday lies and curiosities

In modern Japan, 衣服 is often used in formal or technical contexts. You will find it on laundry labels ("衣服の取扱注意"), instruction manuals for dryers, or even in public notices, such as "衣服の着用をお願いします" ("Please wear appropriate clothing"). A practical tip: in department stores, clothing sections may be referred to as 衣服売り場, but the Japanese often abbreviate it to 服コーナー in daily life.

A fun fact is that, due to being a more "technical" term, いふく rarely appears in casual conversations. Instead, young people prefer to say 服[ふく] by itself or even slang like クローゼット (from the English "closet"). But if you want to sound polite — or you're writing a professional email — 衣服 is the safe choice.

How to memorize and avoid confusion

To fixate on 衣服, an effective technique is to associate the radicals of the kanjis with images. The 衣 looks like an open coat (notice the "strokes" that resemble sleeves), while 服 has the radical for "moon" (月), which here symbolizes something repetitive — like getting dressed every day. A common trick is to confuse it with 医学[いがく] ("medicine"), so practice reading aloud: "i-fu-ku", with the "fu" almost whispered.

How about practicing with a useful sentence? Write in your notebook: "I need to buy new clothes" ("新しい衣服を買う必要があります"). If you're a fan of Japanese dramas, notice how characters in stores or offices use this phrase — it's a great way to internalize vocabulary without memorizing boring lists.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 衣類 ( irui ) - Roupas em geral
• 衣装 ( ishou ) - Fantasy or specific costume
• 着物 ( kimono ) - Traditional Japanese clothing
• 服装 ( fukusou ) - Style or way of dressing
• 衣 ( koromo ) - Clothes (a more poetic or literary term)
• 服 ( fuku ) - Clothes (more everyday term)
• ファッション (fasshon) - Fashion, contemporary style