デパート

• Reading: デパート
• Romaji: depaato
• Pronunciation: /de.paː.to/

Meaning

Department store. A large multi-floor retail store selling a wide range of goods.

A katakana loanword shortened from 'department store' (デパートメントストア). Japanese department stores are known for their high-quality goods, elegant gift wrapping, and food halls (デパ地下) in the basement. Major chains include 三越, 伊勢丹, and 高島屋.

Examples

1. デパートで母の誕生日プレゼントを買いました。 I bought a birthday present for my mother at the department store.
2. 駅の前に大きいデパートがあります。 There is a big department store in front of the station.
3. 日曜日にデパートへ行きませんか。 Would you like to go to the department store on Sunday?

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, gifts, city life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Shortened from English 'department store.' The abbreviated form デパート became standard in Japanese. The first department store in Japan was Mitsukoshi, which opened in 1904.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal