ショートヘア
shōtohea
The Japanese phrase for "short hair" is ショートヘア (shōtohea).
The term refers to hair that is cut to a short length. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often shorten the phrase to just ショート when referring to a short hairstyle.
Which one should you use?
While ショートヘア is the standard phrase, you may encounter different versions depending on the level of politeness or the specific nuance intended. Use 短髪 for a more formal way to refer to short hair, or 短い髪型 when discussing a short hairstyle in a formal context. For a more colloquial feel, 短めの髪 can be used to describe hair that is somewhat short.
How do you pronounce it?
shōtohea
Did you know?
- During the 1920s, women sporting short hair became known as moga, or 'modern girls', a symbol of newfound independence and Westernization in Japan.
- When using the formal term 短髪, you are using a word that is standard for police reports to describe suspects.
- Using the phrase ショートヘア instead of native Japanese terms often signals a 'fashion-forward' or modern aesthetic.
Examples in context
- ショートヘアがいいな。I like short hair.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the form ショートヘア.Tatoeba #11294915 by small_snow, translation #259389 by CK
- ショートヘアの方が似合うね。Short hair looks better on you.This sentence is useful for complimenting someone by saying the form ショートヘア looks better on them.Tatoeba #11483503 by small_snow, translation #3752290 by cromwellt
- 彼女は短髪が似合っています。Short hair suits her.
- 友達がショートヘアになりました。My friend got a short haircut.
- 先生、短い髪型がお似合いです。Teacher, the short hairstyle suits you.
- 彼女はショートヘアがとても似合っています。Kanojo wa shōtohea ga totemo niatte imasu.Short hair suits her very well.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about a new haircut.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんはショートヘアにしたの？Yui-san wa shōtohea ni shita no?Yui, did you get short hair?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、思い切って切ったよ。un, omoikitte kitta yo.Yeah, I took the plunge and cut it.
- 健太 Kentaすごく似合っていていいと思う。sugoku niatte ite ii to omou.I think it looks great on you.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、健太くん。arigatō, Kenta-kun.Thank you, Kenta.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
