1.
Boston bag; soft-sided travel duffel bag
A medium-sized, soft-sided travel bag with handles on top and often a shoulder strap, roughly cylindrical or rectangular in shape. The Japanese name comes from the bags used by Boston University students in the early 20th century.
ボストンバッグ is a wasei-eigo style term — although based on the English word "Boston bag," the term is much more commonly used in Japanese than in modern English. Many English speakers would simply call it a "duffel bag" or "weekender bag."
Scope note
- Refers to a medium-sized soft travel bag, typically used for short trips, gym, or sports.
- Distinct from a hard suitcase (スーツケース) or a small day bag.
Common collocations
- ボストンバッグを持つ: to carry a Boston bag
- ボストンバッグに詰める: to pack into a Boston bag
- 革のボストンバッグ: leather Boston bag
- 大型のボストンバッグ: large Boston bag
Related words
- 旅行鞄: travel bag (general term)
- スーツケース: suitcase (hard-sided)
- リュック: backpack
- ダッフルバッグ: duffel bag (the closer English equivalent, but less common in Japanese)
Cultural note
ボストンバッグ is a common gift in Japan for high-school graduates heading to university or for new businesspeople. It is associated with short trips, weekends away, and sports club activities.