“kiru” vs. “tsukeru”：Use Them Depending on the Goods

Yuka

Did you know Japanese has many different verbs for “to wear”? 着る, 履く, 付ける, かぶる — they all mean wearing something, but each is used for different items! Let's master all of them.

Rei

This is essential vocabulary for talking about clothes and fashion in Japanese. The verb you choose depends entirely on which body part and type of item you're wearing.

At a Glance

着る (きる) — Upper Body Clothing

着る is used for clothing that covers the upper body — you put it on by threading your body through it.

• シャツを着る — to put on a shirt
• コートを着る — to put on a coat
• 制服を着る — to wear a uniform
• 着物を着る — to wear a kimono

Yuka

今日は暖かいコートを着ていく。
I'm going to wear a warm coat today.

履く (はく) — Lower Body and Footwear

履く covers anything worn on the legs or feet:

• ズボンを履く — to put on pants
• スカートを履く — to put on a skirt
• 靴を履く — to put on shoes
• 靴下を履く — to put on socks

Rei

The key rule: if you step INTO it, use 履く. If you put it OVER your head/arms, use 着る. This covers almost all cases.

付ける (つける) — Accessories / Things Attached

付ける is used for accessories that are attached to the body, rather than draped over it:

• ネックレスを付ける — to put on a necklace
• イヤリングを付ける — to put on earrings
• 香水を付ける — to apply perfume
• バッジを付ける — to attach a badge

かぶる — Head Items

かぶる is used for things placed on or over the head:

• 帽子をかぶる — to put on a hat
• ヘルメットをかぶる — to put on a helmet
• ウィッグをかぶる — to put on a wig

Full Reference Table

Quick Quiz

Choose the correct verb:

• スカートを___ → 履く
• ネックレスを___ → 付ける
• 帽子を___ → かぶる
• セーターを___ → 着る
• 手袋を___ → はめる

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