ヘルメット
herumetto[he̞ɾɯ̟me̞t̚to̞]
The Japanese word for helmet is ヘルメット (herumetto). Wiktionary also lists 兜 (kabuto).
Meaning: protective head covering (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ヘルメット | herumetto | [he̞ɾɯ̟me̞t̚to̞] (narrow) |
| 兜 | kabuto | [ka̠bɯ̟to̞] (narrow) |
In Japanese, you can refer to a helmet using a modern loanword or a traditional term depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
ヘルメット is the standard, modern term used for general protective gear, such as helmets for bicycles, motorcycles or construction sites. In contrast, 兜 refers specifically to traditional Japanese samurai helmets or historical warrior headgear.
How do you pronounce it?
herumetto
When do people say it?
兜 is a term deeply tied to Japanese history, specifically representing the protective gear used by ancient samurai and warriors.
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese, using 兜 to describe a bicycle helmet would sound like a joke or a theatrical exaggeration because the word evokes the image of a warrior.
- While ヘルメット is a modern loanword, the term 兜 is so culturally iconic that it is often used to refer to the decorative helmets worn by boys during the 'Boys' Day' festival.
- Some linguists believe the word 兜 might be a compound of kabu, meaning 'head', and to, a word borrowed from Chinese meaning 'helmet'.
Examples in context
- ヘルメットは、つけてたの？Were you wearing a helmet?This sentence is useful for asking if someone was wearing a ヘルメット.Tatoeba #11792749 by small_snow, translation #11383643 by ddnktr
- 銃弾はヘルメットを貫通した。A bullet pierced the helmet.This sentence shows the word ヘルメット in the context of a bullet piercing it.Tatoeba #11746224 by bunbuku, translation #276757 by CM
- これって、お前のヘルメット？Is this your helmet?This sentence is used to ask if a ヘルメット belongs to someone.Tatoeba #11821436 by small_snow, translation #6783797 by CK
- 友達とバイクツーリングに行くから、ヘルメットを貸してくれ！I'm going on a motorcycle tour with my friend, so lend me a helmet!
- この映画は江戸時代の武士たちのかぶとの歴史を描いています。This movie depicts the history of samurai helmets in the Edo period.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are preparing to go bicycle riding.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、ヘルメットを忘れてるよ。Kenta-kun, herumetto o wasureteru yo.Kenta, you forgot your helmet.
- 健太 Kentaあ、本当だ。ありがとう、陽葵さん。A, hontou da. Arigatou, Himari-san.Oh, you're right. Thanks, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari安全のために、ちゃんとつけてね。Anzen no tame ni, chanto tsukete ne.Please wear it properly for safety.
- 健太 Kentaうん、すぐにつけるよ。Un, sugu ni tsukeru yo.Yeah, I'll put it on right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “helmet” translations and entries ヘルメット, 兜, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ヘルメット, 兜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
