下着（したぎ、shitagi）
- underwear

The Japanese word 下着 (したぎ) primarily means "underwear" or "underclothing." It refers to the garments worn directly on the skin, under one's outer clothing. These garments serve purposes like hygiene, comfort, and sometimes even warmth or support. The term encompasses a wide variety of items, including but not limited to, bras, underwear (boxers, briefs, panties), undershirts, camisoles, and long underwear. The specific type of 下着 will depend on the context and the specific item being discussed. 下着 is essential for everyday life.

⚫︎新しい下着を買いました。 Translation: I bought new underwear. ⚫︎今日は薄い下着を着ています。 Translation: I'm wearing thin underwear today. ⚫︎下着は洗濯するべきです。 Translation: You should wash your 下着.

You can use 下着 in a variety of situations when discussing clothing worn under other garments. It's a common and direct word to use when talking about underwear or undergarments. It’s important to note the specific item of 下着 when being precise (e.g., ブラジャー for bra, パンツ for panties).

下着 is primarily written in kanji and hiragana: 下着 (したぎ). • Kanji: 下 (under, below) and 着 (to wear, clothing). • Hiragana: したぎ (reading). There are no common variations in okurigana for this word.

There aren't many direct synonyms for 下着 that are as general. However, depending on the context, you might use more specific terms: • 肌着 (はだぎ) - literally "skin clothing," often used for undershirts or other garments worn against the skin. • Specific names of individual undergarments, e.g., ブラジャー (bra), パンツ (pants/briefs/panties), ショーツ (shorts/panties).

There isn't a direct antonym for 下着. Instead, you'd contrast it with what goes on top of it: • 外着 (そとぎ) - outerwear, outer clothing. • 服 (ふく) - clothes.

彼女は新しい下着のセットを買った。 • Translation: She bought a new set of underwear. • Explanation: This sentence uses 下着 to describe underwear, indicating a specific purchase.

スポーツをする時は、機能性の良い下着を着るのが大切です。 • Translation: It's important to wear functional underwear when playing sports. • Explanation: This sentence highlights the importance of choosing the correct type of 下着 for a particular activity.

The word 下着 is a combination of two kanji: 下 meaning "under" or "below," and 着 meaning "to wear" or "clothing." It literally translates to "under clothing" or "clothing worn underneath." This etymology clearly reflects its function as garments worn under one's outer clothes.