Whether you’re traveling to Japan, want to communicate with a Japanese hairstylist, or simply interested in learning different languages, knowing how to say “cut hair” in Japanese can be quite useful. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, along with some practical tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way: Supōtsu
The formal term for “cut hair” in Japanese is supōtsu. This is the most commonly used word when discussing haircuts in a professional setting. However, keep in mind that this word is more frequently used by adults or when speaking with individuals in a formal or business context.
Examples:
1. Watashi wa supōtsu ga hitsuyō desu. (I need a haircut.)
2. Kanojo wa supōtsu doru ga yokute utsukushī desu. (Her haircut looks great and beautiful.)
3. Supōtsu no resunime wa nan desu ka? (What is your hair salon’s resume?)
Informal Way: Kami o kiru
If you’re aiming for a more casual conversation or speaking with friends and family, the informal way to say “cut hair” in Japanese is kami o kiru. This phrase is commonly used in everyday situations and is less formal compared to “supōtsu”.
Examples:
1. Ashita watashi wa kami o kiru tsumori desu. (I’m planning to get a haircut tomorrow.)
2. Anta no kami o kiru itteiru koto, shiranakatta yo! (I didn’t know you cut your own hair!)
3. Oishisō, nagame no hito ni kami o kiru nōto o agemasu. (It looks delicious, I’ll give you a note with the hair-cutting technique.)
Tips and Regional Variations
While the formal and informal ways mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, it’s worth noting that variations exist in regional dialects. Here are a few regional variations:
Kansai Dialect:
In the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people often use the phrase ambo instead of supōtsu to mean “cut hair.” For the informal way, they may use kanpa instead of kami o kiru.
Examples:
1. Ambo yattemoratte iidesu ka? (Can I get a haircut?)
2. Ashita kanpa shinagara omatsuri ni ikitai. (I want to go to the festival while cutting my hair tomorrow.)
Hokkaido Dialect:
In Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, the term chancho is used instead of supōtsu to refer to a haircut. For the informal way, they may use petsū instead of kami o kiru.
Examples:
1. Kyou wa chancho suru tsumori desu. (I’m planning to get a haircut today.)
2. Petsū shite kirei ni naru yo. (You’ll look nice if you get a haircut.)
Keep in mind that while these regional variations are interesting, they are not necessary to communicate effectively in Japanese. The formal and informal ways mentioned earlier will suffice in most situations.
Now that you’ve learned the different ways to say “cut hair” in Japanese, you’ll be able to communicate your needs or engage in casual conversations with ease. Remember to practice your pronunciation and pay attention to the appropriate situations for formal or informal speech. Best of luck in your Japanese language journey!
