Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hair" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hair", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
髪
かみ (kami)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
髪の毛
かみのけ (kaminoke)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hair" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 髪 and 髪の毛.
In Japanese, 髪 (かみ (kami)) is typically associated with "hair (on the head)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Specifically refers to the hair on one's head. Not to be confused with 毛.
On the other hand, 髪の毛 (かみのけ (kaminoke)) maps to "hair (on one's head)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Specifically refers to human hair on the head. 「毛」. A literal translation of "hair" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "髪"
彼女は長い髪を持っています。
She has long hair.
Bilingual Context for "髪の毛"
彼女はきれいな長い髪の毛をしています。
She has beautiful long hair.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は長い ＿＿＿ を持っています。" (Meaning: "She has long hair.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "髪" fits here because it means "hair (on the head)" in the context of: "She has long hair.". "髪の毛" represents "hair (on one's head)".