作務衣(さむえ)

さむえ
noun
samue; work clothes (traditional Japanese)
1. samue; simple work garment of Japanese origin
A two-piece garment (top and pants) originally worn by Zen Buddhist monks during manual labor. Now widely used as comfortable casual wear, loungewear, and work uniforms at traditional establishments.
作務衣(さむえ)を着(き)て庭仕事(にわしごと)をする。
I do garden work wearing a samue.
その旅館(りょかん)のスタッフは作務衣(さむえ)を着(き)ていた。
The staff at the ryokan were wearing samue.
父(ちち)は家(いえ)では作務衣(さむえ)でくつろいでいることが多(おお)い。
My father often relaxes at home wearing a samue.

Originally the work uniform of Zen Buddhist monks. 作務(さむ) refers to the daily manual labor (cleaning, cooking, gardening) that monks perform as part of their practice, and 衣(え) means clothing. The garment has become popular as comfortable casual wear.

USAGE:

Commonly seen worn by:

  • Staff at 旅館(りょかん) (traditional inns) and 料亭(りょうてい) (high-end restaurants)
  • Potters, craftsmen, and artisans
  • Zen monks during work
  • People relaxing at home (as comfortable loungewear)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 作務衣(さむえ)を着(き)る: to wear a samue
  • 綿(めん)の作務衣(さむえ): cotton samue
  • 夏用(なつよう)作務衣(さむえ): summer samue

RELATED TERMS:

  • 甚平(じんべい): jinbei (similar casual wear, but short-sleeved with shorts — more summery)
  • 法衣(ほうえ): Buddhist monk's robe (formal ceremonial attire)
  • 着物(きもの): kimono (traditional formal/semi-formal wear)
general
Added 2026.4.2 10:04
21000/21339_samue