髪を切った
kami o kitta
In Japanese, "I got a haircut" is said as 髪を切った (kami o kitta).
This phrase is used to state that one's hair has been shortened by a barber or stylist. In Japanese, the subject "I" is often omitted from this phrase when the context makes it clear you are talking about yourself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 髪を切った literally means "cut hair".
Which one should you use?
You can use カットした informally or 髪切った which is an informal expression that literally translates to "I cut my hair."
How does it change in a sentence?
To more accurately express the nuance of "having someone cut your hair" (receiving the favor), use 髪を切ってもらった.
How do you pronounce it?
kami o kitta
Did you know?
- The word for hair 髪 is a homophone for the word for 'god' 神, though they are written with different kanji characters.
- The word 髪 (kami) refers specifically to the hair on one's head, whereas the word 毛 (ke) is used for body hair or animal fur. Using the wrong 'hair' word in a salon could lead to very confusing results.
- In Japan, it is common for friends to respond to 髪を切った with 似合ってる, which means 'it suits you', rather than simply noticing the change in length.
Examples in context
- 昨日、カットしたんだI got a haircut yesterday.
- 最近、髪切ったんだI got a haircut recently.
- 先日、散髪しましたI got a haircut the other day.
- 少し髪を切ったので、軽くなった。Sukoshi kami o kitta node, karuku natta.I got a haircut, so it feels lighter.
- あまり目立たないように髪を切った。Amari medatanai you ni kami o kitta.I got a haircut so it's not too noticeable.
Example conversation
Two friends meeting at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari見て、髪を切ったの。Mite, kami o kitta no.Look, I got a haircut.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ、とても似合っているよ。Hontou da, totemo niatte iru yo.True, it really suits you.
- 陽葵 Himari嬉しい！ありがとう。Ureshii! Arigatou.I'm happy! Thank you.
- 蓮 Ren明るい印象になっていい感じだね。Akarui inshou ni natte ii kanji da ne.It gives a bright impression, so it looks good.
