ぬいぐるみ

ぬいぐるみ
noun
stuffed animal; plush toy
1. stuffed animal; plush toy
A soft toy made of fabric and stuffed with filling, often in the shape of an animal or character.
()どもにぬいぐるみを()ってあげた。
I bought a stuffed animal for the child.
ベッドにぬいぐるみが(なら)んでいる。
Stuffed animals are lined up on the bed.
2. mascot costume
A large costume worn by a person, resembling a character or mascot.
ぬいぐるみを()たスタッフが()どもたちを(むか)えた。
Staff in mascot costumes greeted the children.

ぬいぐるみ comes from ()う (to sew) + くるむ (to wrap).

COMMON TYPES:

  • クマのぬいぐるみ: teddy bear
  • キャラクターのぬいぐるみ: character plush

USAGE:

  • Often collected by both children and adults in Japan
  • UFOキャッチャー (crane games) are popular for winning them
  • The mascot costume meaning is used for theme parks, events, etc.