足袋(たび)

たび
noun
Japanese split-toe socks
1. tabi, Japanese socks
Traditional Japanese socks with a split between the big toe and other toes, worn with traditional footwear.
着物(きもの)を着(き)るときは足袋(たび)を履(は)く。
You wear tabi when wearing a kimono.
白(しろ)い足袋(たび)が汚(よご)れてしまった。
My white tabi got dirty.
足袋(たび)を履(は)いて草履(ぞうり)を履(は)いた。
I put on tabi and then put on zori sandals.

Traditional Japanese socks with a separation between the big toe and other toes, designed to be worn with thonged footwear like 草履(ぞうり) or 下駄(げた).

TYPES:

  • 白足袋(しろたび) - white tabi (formal, worn with kimono)
  • 黒足袋(くろたび) - black tabi (less formal)
  • 地下足袋(じかたび) - work tabi with rubber soles

CULTURAL NOTE:
White tabi are worn for formal occasions with kimono. They fasten at the back with small clasps called 小鉤(こはぜ). Keeping tabi clean and white is considered important in formal settings.

Related Words

Related: 着物(きもの) (kimono)
general
Added 2026.1.12 21:48 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
03500/03730_tabi