1.
accessories; jewelry; personal ornaments
Items worn on the body for decoration, including rings, necklaces, earrings, brooches, and other ornamental accessories. A somewhat formal, comprehensive term.
装身具を身につける。
Wear accessories.
金の装身具が光っていた。
The gold jewelry was gleaming.
古代エジプトの装身具は、美術館でも高い人気を集めている。
Ancient Egyptian jewelry draws large crowds even in art museums.
Composed of 装 (adorn) + 身 (body) + 具 (implement, tool). Literally "body-adorning implements."
USAGE:
装身具 is a formal, umbrella term for all types of personal ornaments. In everyday conversation, アクセサリー is far more common. 装身具 appears in written language — museum descriptions, historical texts, product catalogs, and formal writing. It covers everything from jewelry to hair ornaments and decorative brooches.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 装身具を身につける: to wear accessories
- 装身具店: jewelry/accessory shop
- 金の装身具: gold jewelry
- 古代の装身具: ancient ornaments
SIMILAR WORDS:
- アクセサリー: accessories — the everyday word for fashion accessories and jewelry
- 宝飾品: jewelry, precious ornaments — emphasizes precious stones and metals; higher-end than general 装身具
- ジュエリー: jewelry — a loanword focusing on fine jewelry with precious materials