Tabi
/ˈtɑː.bi/noun
A traditional Japanese sock or footwear with a separate compartment for the big toe.
Did you know?Tabi’s divided big-toe construction lets the wearer grip the thong of traditional Japanese sandals such as geta and zōri.
Etymological Timeline
8th Century
Old Japanese
たび (tabi)
“An early Japanese term for a form of foot covering; its precise original derivation is uncertain.”
Heian Period
Japanese
足袋 (tabi)
“A written form using characters meaning “foot” and “bag.””
Medieval Japan
Japanese
足袋 (tabi)
“A cloth foot covering, increasingly made with a separate space for the big toe.”
Edo Period
Japanese
足袋 (tabi)
“A standard component of traditional Japanese dress, worn with thong sandals.”
Modern English
English
tabi
“A Japanese split-toe sock or shoe, also used in fashion and martial-arts contexts.”