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.
ぬいぐるみが好きだ。
I like stuffed animals.
子どもにぬいぐるみを買ってあげた。
I bought a stuffed animal for the child.
ベッドにぬいぐるみが並んでいる。
Stuffed animals are lined up on the bed.
クマのぬいぐるみを抱いて寝る。
I sleep holding a teddy bear.
ゲームセンターでぬいぐるみを取ろうとしたけど、取れなかった。
I tried to win a stuffed animal at the arcade, but I couldn't get one.
2.
mascot costume
A large costume worn by a person, resembling a character or mascot.
ぬいぐるみを着る。
To wear a mascot costume.
ぬいぐるみを着たスタッフが子どもたちを迎えた。
Staff in mascot costumes greeted the children.
ぬいぐるみの中は暑くて大変だ。
It's hot inside the mascot costume, so it's tough.
遊園地では大きなぬいぐるみが歩いている。
At amusement parks, large mascot characters walk around.
あのぬいぐるみの中に人が入っているとは思えないくらい上手に動く。
That mascot moves so well you wouldn't think there's a person inside.
ぬいぐるみ has two meanings: a soft stuffed toy (sense 1) and a full-body mascot costume (sense 2).
ETYMOLOGY:
From 縫う (to sew) + くるむ (to wrap). Literally, something wrapped by sewing.
COMMON TYPES (sense 1):
- クマのぬいぐるみ: teddy bear
- キャラクターのぬいぐるみ: character plush toy
CULTURAL NOTE:
Stuffed toys are popular among all ages in Japan, not just children. UFOキャッチャー (crane games) at arcades are a popular way to win them.
MASCOT COSTUME (sense 2):
Used at theme parks, events, and promotional campaigns. ぬいぐるみを着る means to wear the costume. The person inside is sometimes called 中の人 (the person inside).