“To wear” in Japanese is 着る (きる), pronounced kiru.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To wear clothes on the upper body or the whole body. Shoes and trousers use はく, hats かぶる.
Example sentences
- 毎日スーツを着ます。まいにちスーツをきます。I wear a suit every day.
- 着物を着たことがありますか。きものをきたことがありますか。Have you ever worn a kimono?
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 着る. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 着る きる | wear |
| Polite present | 着ます きます | wear |
| Polite negative | 着ません きません | don’t wear |
| Polite past | 着ました きました | past of “wear” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 着ない きない | don’t wear (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 着た きた | past of “wear” (casual) |
| て-form | 着て きて | wear and… / please wear (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 着たい きたい | want to wear |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to wear in Japanese?
To wear in Japanese is 着る (きる), pronounced “kiru”.
How do you write to wear in Japanese?
It's written 着る with kanji, or きる in hiragana. Both are read kiru.
Is 着る on the JLPT?
Yes. 着る (kiru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.