背広(せびろ)

せびろ
noun
business suit
1. business suit, men's suit
A formal Western-style suit, typically worn for business. The term is somewhat dated and スーツ is now more common.
面接(めんせつ)には背広(せびろ)を着(き)ていきます。
I'll wear a suit to the interview.
父(ちち)は毎日(まいにち)背広(せびろ)を着(き)て会社(かいしゃ)に行(い)きます。
My father wears a suit to the office every day.
新(あたら)しい背広(せびろ)を買(か)いました。
I bought a new suit.

背広(せびろ) is a traditional Japanese word for a Western-style business suit. The term is somewhat dated, with スーツ being more common today.

ETYMOLOGY (disputed):

  • From Savile Row (London's famous tailor street)
  • From 背(せ)が広(ひろ)い (broad back)
  • From 'civil clothes' (non-military)

USAGE:

  • 背広(せびろ)を着(き)る: to wear a suit
  • 背広(せびろ)姿(すがた): in a suit (appearance)

COMPARISON:

  • 背広(せびろ): suit (traditional term, older speakers)
  • スーツ: suit (modern loanword, most common)
  • 紳士服(しんしふく): men's formal wear

RELATED VOCABULARY:

  • ネクタイ: necktie
  • ワイシャツ: dress shirt
  • 革靴(かわぐつ): leather shoes
  • 上着(うわぎ): jacket
general
Added 2026.1.7 21:35 · Revised 2026.2.23 23:09
01000/01050_sebiro