合羽(かっぱ)

かっぱ
noun
raincoat; rain gear
clothing
1. raincoat; rain cape; waterproof outerwear
A waterproof garment worn to protect against rain. Originally referred to a cape-style garment introduced by Portuguese missionaries, now used broadly for any rain gear.
合羽(かっぱ)を着(き)る。
To put on a raincoat.
雨(あめ)がひどいから合羽(かっぱ)を持(も)っていこう。
The rain is heavy, so let's bring a raincoat.
自転車(じてんしゃ)に乗(の)るときは傘(かさ)より合羽(かっぱ)のほうが安全(あんぜん)だ。
When riding a bicycle, a raincoat is safer than an umbrella.

A loanword from Portuguese "capa" (cape/cloak), introduced during the 16th century when Portuguese missionaries arrived in Japan. The kanji 合羽(かっぱ) is ateji.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • レインコート: raincoat — the modern English loanword; more fashionable or formal
  • 雨具(あまぐ): rain gear — general term for all rain protection equipment
  • ポンチョ: poncho — a specific style of rain cape

Note: Not to be confused with 河童(かっぱ) (mythical water creature), which is a homophone written with different kanji.

Related Words

Compare: レインコート (raincoat)
Compare: 雨具(あまぐ) (rain gear)
general
Added 2026.4.9 2:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
23000/23048_kappa