散髪
sanpatsu
The Japanese word for haircut is 散髪 (sanpatsu). Wiktionary also lists 刈り込み (karikomi) and 理髪 (rihatsu).
Meaning: act of cutting of hair (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 散髪 | sanpatsu | |
| 刈り込み | karikomi | |
| 理髪 | rihatsu | [ɾʲiha̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The word refers to the act of cutting hair.
Which one should you use?
While 散髪 is the standard term for a haircut, 理髪 (rihatsu) is a more technical or formal term used in the context of professional barbering or business names. 刈り込み (karikomi) is another form related to the act of cutting hair.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
散髪 is a formal way to say haircut. 理髪 is also a formal or technical term used for professional barbering.
How do you pronounce it?
sanpatsu
Did you know?
- In ancient Japan, cutting hair was often avoided because it was believed that the soul resided in the hair, making 散髪 (sanpatsu) a spiritually significant act.
- The term 散髪 (sanpatsu) was once a politically charged word during the Meiji era when Japan moved from traditional topknots to Western styles.
- The professional distinction between a 理容師 (riyoushi) and a 美容師 (biyoushi) is legally enforced, with only the former being allowed to shave a customer's face.
Examples in context
- 散髪して下さい。Please give me a haircut.This sentence shows how to request a haircut using 散髪.Tatoeba #169355 by bunbuku, translation #2769825 by CK
- 彼は月に３回散髪する。He gets a haircut three times a month.This sentence uses 散髪 to describe the frequency of someone getting a haircut.Tatoeba #107781 by bunbuku, translation #295904 by CK
- 彼は月一で散髪してもらう。He gets a haircut once a month.This sentence uses 散髪 to describe how often someone receives a haircut.Tatoeba #1167583 by bunbuku, translation #1167589 by CK
- 私は散髪に行きます。I am going to get a haircut
- 今度はバッサリ切ってみようと思っているんだ。I'm thinking of getting a drastic haircut this time.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking about their appearance.
- 結衣 Yui健太さん、散髪しましたか？Kenta-san, sanpatsu shimashita ka?Kenta, did you get a haircut?
- 健太 Kentaはい、昨日散髪に行きました。Hai, kinou sanpatsu ni ikimashita.Yes, I went for a haircut yesterday.
- 結衣 Yui似合っていますね！Niatte imasu ne!It looks good on you!
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “haircut” translations and entries 散髪, 理髪, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
