衣料

• Reading: いりょう
• Romaji: iryou
• Kanji breakdown: 衣 (i) — clothing, garment; 料 (ryou) — material, stuff
• Pronunciation: /i.ɾʲoː/

Meaning

Clothing; garments; apparel. Textile goods worn on the body.

A slightly formal noun for clothing, more commonly seen in commercial and industrial contexts than everyday speech. Frequently appears in compound forms like 衣料品 (iryouhin, clothing products) and 衣料品売り場 (clothing department). Everyday conversation typically uses 服 (fuku) or 衣類 (irui) instead.

Examples

1. 衣料品売り場は三階にあります。 Japan's healthcare system is highly regarded worldwide.
2. リサイクルショップで衣料を安く買った。 There is a shortage of medical facilities in rural areas.
3. 衣料の生産には多くの水が使われる。 The burden of medical expenses is growing.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, industry, commerce

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 衣 (clothing, garment) and 料 (material, stuff). Together they refer to materials or goods intended to be worn as clothing.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal