衣替え

• Reading: ころもがえ
• Romaji: koromogae
• Kanji breakdown: 衣 (koromo/i) — clothing, garment; 替え (gae/kae) — exchange, change
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɾo.mo.ɡa.e/

Meaning

Seasonal change of wardrobe; the biannual practice of switching between summer and winter clothes.

A noun describing the traditional Japanese practice of exchanging one's wardrobe with the seasons — typically in early June (to summer) and early October (to winter). Schools and companies may also have official 衣替え dates for switching uniforms. The word extends figuratively to any fresh start or renewal.

Examples

1. 六月に入り、衣替えをしてクローゼットを整理した。 Now that June has arrived, I switched my wardrobe over and tidied up the wardrobe.
2. 学校では六月一日が衣替えで、夏服に切り替わる日だ。 At school, the 1st of June is wardrobe changeover day — the day everyone switches to summer uniform.
3. 衣替えのついでに、着なくなった服を処分することにした。 While swapping out my wardrobe, I decided to get rid of clothes I no longer wear.

Usage Guide

Context: seasons, clothing, daily routine, school

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 衣 (koromo, garment) and 替え (kae, exchange/change). The practice of seasonal wardrobe rotation dates to the court customs of the Heian period.

Cultural Context

Era: Heian–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal