着る

• Reading: きる
• Romaji: kiru
• Kanji breakdown: 着 (chaku/ki) — to wear, to arrive, to attach
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To wear; to put on (upper body clothing). Specifically for garments worn on the torso and shoulders.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb conjugated by dropping る (着て, 着た, 着ます). Important distinction: 着る is for upper body/full body garments (shirts, jackets, dresses, kimono). Trousers use 履く, hats use 被る, accessories use つける. A homophone of 切る (to cut) but written with different kanji.

Examples

1. 今日は赤いシャツを着ています。 I'm wearing a red shirt today.
2. 寒いからコートを着てください。 It's cold, so please put on a coat.
3. 着物を着たことがありますか。 Have you ever worn a kimono?

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, fashion, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 着 combines 羊 (sheep) and 目 (eye), though its modern meaning relates to arrival and wearing. The concept of clothing arriving onto the body evolved into the meaning of wearing garments.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal