服装

• Reading: ふくそう
• Romaji: fukusou
• Kanji breakdown: 服 (fuku) — clothes; 装 (sou/yosoou) — dress, attire
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.kɯ.soː/

Meaning

Clothing; attire; outfit. The way someone is dressed.

A noun referring to what someone wears, often emphasising the overall appearance or dress code rather than individual garments. Common expressions: 服装規定 (fukusou kitei, dress code), 正式な服装 (seishiki na fukusou, formal attire). Similar to 服 (fuku, clothes) but 服装 emphasises the complete outfit and its appropriateness for an occasion.

Examples

1. 面接には清潔な服装で行ったほうがいい。 It's better to go to an interview in neat attire.
2. このレストランには服装の決まりがある。 This restaurant has a dress code.
3. 彼女はいつもおしゃれな服装をしている。 She always wears stylish outfits.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, workplace, social occasions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 服 (fuku, clothing) and 装 (sou, attire/装い). Together they emphasise the complete act of dressing and the resulting appearance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal