Sleepwear Spelling Showdown: PJs or Pyjays?

Pajamas vs. Pyjamas

The words “pajamas” and “pyjamas” both mean the same thing. They are clothes you wear when you sleep. But, these words have some differences.

History

The word comes from the Hindi word “paejama,” which means leg clothing. It was brought to English from India a long time ago.

How to Use Them

“Pajamas” is used in American English. “Pyjamas” is used in British English. It means they are spelled differently in the U.S. and the U.K.

Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of “a” in “America” and “pajamas” both have the letter “a.” “Pyjamas” has the letter “y,” like “UK,” but U and K sound like “y” when you say them fast.

Example Sentences for “Pajamas”

• I put on my pajamas before bed.
• She got new pajamas for her birthday.
• His pajamas are blue with stars.
• Do you like these warm pajamas?
• They have matching pajamas for the party.

Example Sentences for “Pyjamas”

• I wear pyjamas when it’s bedtime.
• Her pyjamas have a cute pattern.
• He bought pyjamas from London.
• The pyjamas are soft and cozy.
• They wear matching pyjamas at Christmas.

Summary

Both “pajamas” and “pyjamas” are used for sleep clothes. Use “pajamas” if you are in the U.S. Use “pyjamas” if you are in the U.K. The key difference is in the spelling.