頭
atama[a̠ta̠ma̠]
The Japanese word for head is 頭 (atama). Wiktionary also lists 頭部 (tōbu).
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 頭 | atama | [a̠ta̠ma̠] (narrow) [ka̠ɕiɾa̠] (narrow) |
|
| 頭部 | tōbu | [to̞ːbɯ̟] (narrow) | formal |
The word refers to the part of the body known as the head. You can use the adjective form 頭の to describe things that are of, relating to or intended for the head. Another related term, 向かい, is an adjective meaning coming from in front.
Which one should you use?
頭 is the common word used in everyday conversation, whereas 頭部 is a more technical or formal term specifically used in medical, scientific or official contexts to refer to the anatomical part of the head.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
頭部 is formal and suitable for technical or medical settings. If you wish to refer specifically to the forehead in an informal context, you can use おでこ. Note that 首領 is a different formal term meaning leader or chief.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
atama
Did you know?
- In Japanese, 頭 (atama) can be used as a counter for counting animals, such as cows or horses.
- The word 頭 (atama) may originally have referred specifically to a baby's fontanelle, the soft spot on the top of the head.
- The word 頭 is a cognate of 株 (kabu), which refers to a tree stump or root, reflecting a shared ancient meaning of 'lump'.
Examples in context
- 頭痛がする。My head aches.The first sentence shows how to use 頭 when expressing that one has a headache.Tatoeba #5114 by bunbuku, translation #280125 by CK
- 頭が痛いな。My head hurts.The second sentence demonstrates a common way to say one's head hurts using 頭.Tatoeba #123868 by bunbuku, translation #456425 by lukaszpp
- まだ頭痛い？Does your head still ache?The third sentence uses 頭 to ask if someone's head still aches.Tatoeba #2727255 by tommy_san, translation #2762760 by CK
- あたまが痛いです。I have a headache.
- 頭部の損傷 (とうぶのそんしょう)Head injury
- おでこのニキビForehead acne
- 175 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a funny drawing.
- 健太 Kentaこの絵、頭がすごく大きいね。kono e, atama ga sugoku ookii ne.This drawing, the head is really big, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当だ、健太。面白いね。hontou da, kenta. omoshiroi ne.True, Kenta. It's funny.
- 健太 Kenta結衣は、これ好き？yui wa, kore suki?Yui, do you like this?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、可愛いと思う。un, kawaii to omou.Yeah, I think it's cute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries 頭, 頭部, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 頭, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
