古着(ふるぎ)

ふるぎ
noun
used clothing; secondhand clothes
1. used clothing; secondhand clothes
Previously worn clothing that is sold or given away.
古着(ふるぎ)を買(か)う。
To buy used clothing.
フリーマーケットで古着(ふるぎ)を売(う)る。
To sell used clothes at a flea market.
古着(ふるぎ)屋(や)で掘(ほ)り出(だ)し物(もの)を見(み)つけた。
I found a bargain at the secondhand clothing store.

古着(ふるぎ) refers to secondhand or used clothing. It is neutral in tone — it does not imply the clothing is worn out or low quality.

WORD FORMATION:
古(ふる) (old, used) + 着(ぎ) (clothing, from 着(き)る "to wear"). Note the rendaku: 着(き) becomes 着(ぎ).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 古着(ふるぎ)屋(や): secondhand clothing store
  • 古着(ふるぎ)を買(か)う: to buy used clothes
  • 古着(ふるぎ)を売(う)る: to sell used clothes

CULTURAL NOTE:
古着(ふるぎ) shopping is popular in Japan, especially among younger people. Famous areas include 下北沢(しもきたざわ) in 東京(とうきょう) and 堀江(ほりえ) in 大阪(おおさか). The term covers both affordable thrift items and curated vintage fashion.

SIMILAR:

  • 中古(ちゅうこ): secondhand (for goods in general, not clothing-specific)
  • 古本(ふるほん): used books (same 古(ふる)～ pattern)
general
Added 2026.2.4 19:52 · Revised 2026.3.29 14:14
09500/09955_furugi