赤毛
akage[a̠ka̠ɡe̞]
In Japanese, 'red hair' is expressed as 赤毛 (akage).
赤毛 is most commonly used to describe hair that is naturally red or ginger in color, though it can also be used to refer to hair that has been dyed red.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 赤 (aka), meaning red and 毛 (ke), meaning hair.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun as an adjective to describe a person, add the particle の to the form, such as in 赤毛の女性 (a red-haired woman).
How do you pronounce it?
akage
Did you know?
- In certain Japanese contexts, the term 赤毛 can be used as a nickname or a derogatory label for people of European descent rather than just a description of hair color.
- The kanji 毛 in 赤毛 is the same character used in 毛布 (mōfu), which means 'blanket', because both involve hair or fibers.
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, characters with 赤毛 are often stereotypically portrayed as having fiery, hot-tempered, or passionate personalities.
Examples in context
- メアリーはそばかすがあって、髪は赤毛です。Mary has freckles and red hair.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has freckles and the form 赤毛.Tatoeba #8734158 by small_snow, translation #6392880 by Hybrid
- 彼は赤毛をしています。Kare wa akage o shite imasu.He has red hair.
- 赤毛の人が並んでいます。Akage no hito ga narande imasu.People with red hair are lining up.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo in a magazine.
- 健太 Kentaこのモデルは赤毛ですね。Kono moderu wa akage desu ne.This model has red hair, doesn't she?
- 陽葵 Himari本当、とても綺麗です。Hontou, totemo kirei desu.Truly, it is very beautiful.
- 健太 Kenta珍しい色ですよね。Mezurashii iro desu yo ne.It's a rare color, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても目立ちます。Hai, totemo medachimasu.Yes, it really stands out.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 赤毛, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
