スカーフ

スカーフ

scarf

JLPT N2

Meaning and Usage

The word スカーフ refers to a scarf, typically a piece of fabric worn around the neck for warmth or fashion. It can be made of various materials such as wool, silk, or cotton.

Common Contexts

スカーフ is often used in everyday conversation when talking about clothing, especially in colder seasons or when discussing fashion accessories.

Collocations and Patterns

  • スカーフを巻く (to wrap a scarf): used when putting on a scarf for warmth or style.
  • スカーフを結ぶ (to tie a scarf): often used when styling a scarf neatly around the neck.
  • 赤いスカーフ (red scarf), シルクのスカーフ (silk scarf): common descriptive phrases.

Register and Nuance

スカーフ is a loanword from English and is used in casual and formal contexts without issue. It is more common in fashion-related conversations than in very formal or traditional settings.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse スカーフ with マフラー, which also means scarf but usually refers to thicker, knitted scarves for cold weather. スカーフ often implies a lighter, sometimes decorative scarf.

Example Sentences

さむいので、スカーフをまいてでかけました。

Because it was cold, I wrapped a scarf and went out.

かのじょはくびにあかいスカーフをむすんでいる。

She has a red scarf tied around her neck.

スカーフはファッションのアクセントとしてもにんきがあります。

Scarves are also popular as a fashion accent.