ズボン

• Reading: ずぼん
• Romaji: zubon
• Pronunciation: /dzɯ.boɴ/

Meaning

Trousers; pants. General term for lower-body garments covering both legs separately.

A common everyday word for trousers. Though sometimes written with the kanji 洋袴, the katakana form ズボン is standard. Younger generations increasingly use パンツ (from English 'pants') instead. The word applies to all types of trousers — jeans, dress pants, casual pants.

Examples

1. 黒いズボンをはいています。 I'm wearing black pants.
2. このズボンは少し長いです。 These pants are a little long.
3. 新しいズボンが欲しいです。 I want new pants.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, shopping, fashion

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The origin is debated. Likely borrowed from French 'jupon' (petticoat/skirt) during the early Meiji period, though some scholars suggest Portuguese origins. The meaning shifted from skirt-like garments to trousers.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal