Japanese meaning of 馬子にも衣装
Reading:
まごにもいしょう (mago ni mo ishō)
English Translation:
Clothes make the man
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Clothes make the man.
Cultural Context:
Resonates with Japan’s formal dress codes in business, ceremonies, and traditional wear such as kimono.
見た目や服装が印象を大きく左右するという意味。
ビジネスや冠婚葬祭でのフォーマルな服装文化や、着物などの伝統衣装の習慣とも関連する。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 馬子 (mago) = “horse groom” or “packhorse driver” (noun)
• にも (nimo) = particle に (“to”) + も (“also/even”)
• 衣装 (ishō) = “clothes/costume” (noun)
Noun + particle + noun structure, used ironically to express transformation by appearance.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be misunderstood as all coachmen look good in clothes, missing the perception-shaping effect of appearance.
Example
Basic Example
スーツを着たら印象が一変した。馬子にも衣装だ。
A suit changed his image completely—Clothes make the man.
Applied Example
村人装備から王子ルックへ。馬子にも衣装！
From peasant gear to princely attire—Clothes make the man.