作務衣(さむえ)

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 words

• 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)