Meaning and Usage
"衣服" (いふく) refers to clothes or garments in general. It is a somewhat formal or neutral term used to describe clothing items collectively.
Common Contexts
You will often see "衣服" used in contexts related to choosing, wearing, or describing clothes, especially when talking about types, cleanliness, or fit.
Collocations and Patterns
- 衣服を選ぶ (choose clothes): used when selecting clothes for occasions or seasons.
- 衣服を着る (wear clothes): a basic expression for putting on clothes.
- 衣服のサイズ (clothing size): used when discussing fit or measurements.
Register and Nuance
"衣服" is more formal than casual words like "服" (ふく) but is common in written language, official contexts, or when emphasizing the concept of clothing broadly. In everyday conversation, "服" is more frequently used.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "衣服" with "服". While both mean clothes, "服" is more casual and common in spoken Japanese. Use "衣服" when you want a slightly more formal or general term.