髪 — Hair

Meaning

The kanji 髪 (kami) specifically refers to the hair growing on a person's head. While 毛 (ke) can describe any body hair, fur, or wool, 髪 is almost exclusively used for human head hair. Its structure provides a clear visual clue to its meaning. The top radical, 髟 (kaminogashira), actually means 'long hair' or 'hair flowing down.' Directly below it is the kanji 長 (chō/naga-i), meaning 'long.' Together, 髪 literally depicts 'long hair,' highlighting the flowing strands that cover the human scalp. This combination vividly conveys the image of a person's tresses. The kanji 髪 has 14 strokes and is typically introduced around junior high school in Japan. Its usage becomes more common at the N2 level of the JLPT, appearing in various compounds and expressions.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The main On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 髪 is ハツ (Hatsu). You'll often encounter this reading in more formal or technical terms, particularly in compounds that carry an abstract or medical meaning related to hair.

• 毛髪もうはつ (mōhatsu) — hair (often used in formal, scientific, or medical contexts, referring to hair in general or individual strands). For example, a forensic team might analyze 毛髪もうはつ samples found at a crime scene.
• 白髪はくはつ (hakuhatsu) — white hair; gray hair. This term is frequently used in literature or to describe the aging process, often with a poetic nuance, such as an old man with 白髪はくはつ.
• 美髪びはつ (bihatsu) — beautiful hair. You'll often see this compound in shampoo or hair care advertisements, emphasizing the aesthetic quality of healthy, shiny hair.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

The primary Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) for 髪 is かみ (kami). This is the most common reading you'll hear in daily conversations and is used when referring to hair in general or as part of everyday compounds.

• 髪かみ (kami) — hair (the most direct and common way to refer to head hair). For instance, to say 'my hair' is simply 私の髪わたしの髪.
• 髪の毛かみのけ (kaminoke) — a strand of hair; hair (a general term often referring to individual hairs or a lock). This is a very common way to talk about hair in a general sense, like finding a 髪の毛かみのけ in your food.
• 髪型かみがた (kamigata) — hairstyle. This term describes how one's hair is styled or cut. For example, getting a new 髪型かみがた.
• 髪色かみいろ (kami-iro) — hair color. Used to specify the natural or dyed color of one's hair, such as 'brown 髪色かみいろ'.

Common Words & Compounds

To truly understand 髪, it's helpful to be familiar with its common compounds. These words often categorize different hair types, colors, and related actions or items.

• 黒髪くろかみ (kurokami) — black hair. This term specifically refers to naturally black hair, often associated with traditional Japanese beauty.
• 金髪きんぱつ (kinpatsu) — blonde hair. Although it uses the On'yomi, this is the standard term for describing blonde hair.
• 茶髪ちゃはつ (chahatsu) — brown hair; dyed brown hair. This term often implies hair that has been dyed brown, a common fashion choice.
• 赤毛あかげ (akage) — red hair. While not directly using 髪, this is a related term for hair color.
• 髪質かみしつ (kamishitsu) — hair quality; hair texture. Used to describe characteristics like thick, fine, straight, or curly hair.
• 髪飾りかみかざり (kamikazari) — hair ornament; hair accessory. These are items used to adorn or tie up hair, such as a decorative hairpin.
• 洗髪せんぱつ (senpatsu) — washing hair (formal term). More commonly, one would say 髪かみを洗あらう.
• 理髪店りはつてん (rihatsuten) — barbershop. This is a place where hair is cut and styled, typically catering to men.
• 整髪料せいはつりょう (seihatsuryō) — hair styling product. This includes gels, waxes, or sprays used to manage and style hair.
• 抜け毛ぬけげ (nukege) — hair loss; falling hair. This refers to individual strands of hair that have fallen out.
• 総髪そうはつ (sōhatsu) — a full head of hair (often referring to historical hairstyles where all hair is gathered).
• 長髪ちょうはつ (chōhatsu) — long hair (a more formal or descriptive term than 長い髪ながいかみ).
• 短髪たんぱつ (tanpatsu) — short hair (a more formal or descriptive term than 短い髪みじかいかみ).

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 髪, focus on its two key components. The top part, 髟 (kaminogashira), is the radical for 'hair' itself; visualize it as long, flowing strands. Below it, you'll find the character 長 (chō/naga-i), which means 'long.' So, visually, 髪 literally represents 'long hair.' Imagine a person with incredibly long, flowing hair (髟) that extends endlessly (長). This vivid combination clearly and directly points to the meaning of 'hair on the head,' helping you distinguish it from other types of hair. The distinct top radical acts as a strong indicator, and the 'long' component emphasizes the abundant hair found on one's scalp.