How to Say "Mustache" in Japanese

口ひげ

kuchihige

The Japanese word for "mustache" is 口ひげ (kuchihige).

口ひげ refers specifically to the hair that grows on a person's upper lip.

Which one should you use?

While 口ひげ (kuchihige) refers specifically to the mustache on the upper lip, ひげ (hige) is the general term for any facial hair.

kuchihige

Japanese describes the act of growing a 口ひげ using the verb 生やす (hayasu), which is also used for growing plants or crops.
Historically, the prevalence of 口ひげ in Japan shifted dramatically during the Meiji era as men adopted Western facial hair styles to appear modern and global.
In traditional Japanese theater, the presence or absence of a ひげ on a mask or makeup can immediately tell the audience the social rank of the character.

トムは口ひげを生やした。
Tom grew a mustache.
This sentence is useful for showing how to use 口ひげ when describing someone growing facial hair.
Tatoeba #5395345 by yamashin, translation #3171429 by CK
Watashi wa hige ga arimasu. (私はひげがあります。)
I have a mustache.
Ano hito no hige wa taisetsu desu ne. (あの人のひげは大切ですね。)
That person's mustache is important, isn't it?
Hige ga kakkoii yo! (ひげがかっこいいよ！)
Mustaches are cool!
Ano sensei wa kuchi hige ga niau ne. (あの先生は口ひげが似合うね。)
That teacher looks good with a mustache.
彼は口ひげを生やしています。
Kare wa kuchihige o hayashite imasu.
He has a mustache.
口ひげを剃るのを忘れた。
Kuchihige o soru no o wasureta.
I forgot to shave my mustache.

At a cafe, a woman notices her friend's new look.

陽葵 Himari

健太さん、新しい口ひげ、かっこいいですね。
Kenta-san, atarashii kuchihige, kakkoii desu ne.
Kenta, your new mustache looks cool.
健太 Kenta

本当ですか？ありがとうございます。
Hontou desu ka? Arigatou gozaimasu.
Really? Thank you.
陽葵 Himari

とても似合っていますよ。
Totemo niatte imasu yo.
It really suits you.
健太 Kenta

嬉しいです。陽葵さんに褒められて。
Ureshii desu. Himari-san ni homerarete.
I'm happy to be complimented by you, Himari.

Sources

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