1.
to take off one's shoes; to remove one's footwear
A basic everyday collocation. In Japan, the phrase is especially bound up with the custom of removing shoes at the entrance of a home and at many other interior spaces (traditional restaurants, temples, schools, etc.).
Formed from 靴 ('shoes') + を (direct-object particle) + 脱ぐ ('to take off, remove [clothing]'). The verb 脱ぐ is a godan verb used for removing any worn item.
Usage
- Standard, neutral phrasing for removing shoes. Not slang or formal.
- Applies to shoes, sandals, sneakers, and boots alike; for slippers, the same verb is used.
- For putting shoes back on, the opposite verb is 履く: 靴を履く.
Common collocations
- 玄関で靴を脱ぐ: take off shoes at the entryway
- 靴を脱いで上がる: remove shoes and step up (into the raised interior)
- 靴を脱いで並べる: take off shoes and line them up neatly
- 靴を脱がないで入る: to enter without taking off shoes (often marked as impolite)
Related words
- 靴を履く: to put on shoes (opposite action)
- 土足で上がる: to step up (into an indoor space) with shoes on — usually a negative description
- 靴下を脱ぐ: to take off socks
Cultural note
- Removing shoes at the genkan is strict etiquette in Japanese homes, ryokan, tatami rooms, and many traditional restaurants. Shoes are placed with the toes pointing toward the door so they are easy to step into on leaving.
- Many schools and some workplaces have an 'uwabaki' (indoor shoe) system where outdoor shoes are removed and indoor shoes are put on.