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.
合羽を着る。
To put on a raincoat.
雨がひどいから合羽を持っていこう。
The rain is heavy, so let's bring a raincoat.
自転車に乗るときは傘より合羽のほうが安全だ。
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 is ateji.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 合羽を着る: to put on a raincoat
- 合羽を脱ぐ: to take off a raincoat
- ビニール合羽: vinyl raincoat
- 使い捨て合羽: disposable rain poncho
SIMILAR WORDS:
- レインコート: raincoat — the modern English loanword; more fashionable or formal
- 雨具: 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 (mythical water creature), which is a homophone written with different kanji.