靴

• Reading: くつ
• Romaji: kutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 靴 (kutsu/ka) — shoes; the radical 革 (leather) indicates material
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

Shoes; boots; footwear. General term for Western-style footwear.

The standard word for shoes in modern Japanese. Used in many compounds: 靴下 (socks, literally 'under shoes'), 靴屋 (shoe store), 運動靴 (athletic shoes). Japanese culture requires removing shoes indoors, making this word essential. Shoes are put on using はく (lower-body clothing verb).

Examples

1. 新しい靴を買いたいです。 I want to buy new shoes.
2. 家に入る前に靴を脱ぎます。 I take off my shoes before entering the house.
3. この靴はちょっと小さいです。 These shoes are a little small.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, shopping, going out

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 靴 uses the leather radical 革 (kawa), reflecting that shoes were traditionally made of leather. Originally referred specifically to leather footwear as opposed to traditional Japanese wooden sandals.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal