上履(うわば)き

うわばき
noun
indoor shoes
1. indoor shoes, slippers
Shoes worn inside buildings, especially the canvas slip-on shoes worn by students in Japanese schools.
上履(うわば)きに履(は)き替(か)えた。
I changed into my indoor shoes.
上履(うわば)きを忘(わす)れてきた。
I forgot to bring my indoor shoes.
新学期(しんがっき)に新(あたら)しい上履(うわば)きを買(か)った。
I bought new indoor shoes for the new school term.

Indoor shoes worn inside buildings, especially in Japanese schools. Students change into these at the entrance (下駄箱(げたばこ) — shoe cupboard area) when arriving. Typically white canvas slip-on shoes, sometimes with a colored stripe indicating grade level.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 上履(うわば)きに履(は)き替(か)える: to change into indoor shoes
  • 上履(うわば)きを洗(あら)う: to wash indoor shoes
  • 上履(うわば)きを忘(わす)れる: to forget one's indoor shoes

CULTURAL NOTE:
The indoor/outdoor shoe distinction is fundamental in Japanese schools, hospitals, and many workplaces. Children are taught from an early age to switch shoes at the entrance. Weekend chore: students often take their 上履(うわば)き home to wash.

RELATED TERMS:

  • 外履(そとば)き / 外靴(そとぐつ): outdoor shoes
  • スリッパ: slippers (for guests)
  • 下駄箱(げたばこ): shoe cupboard/locker
general
Added 2026.2.5 23:52 · Revised 2026.3.26 10:40
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