kimono

Where does the word "kimono" come from? It comes from Japanese ki + mono, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Kimono’s story begins in Japanese: ki + mono meant “a thing worn.” Combining "ki" (to wear) and "mono" (thing). It reached English by 1800s as kimono. Japanese 'thing to wear'; Japonisme brought kimono-inspired dressing gowns to Europe. Today, kimono means a traditional Japanese robe with wide sleeves, tied with a sash.

1. Stage 1 · Japanese · medieval ki + mono "a thing worn", combining "ki" (to wear) and "mono" (thing).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s kimono "a traditional Japanese robe", Japanese 'thing to wear'; Japonisme brought kimono-inspired dressing gowns to Europe.