Japanese Conversation · Level 21
90 words
Japanese word
かつら
Pronunciation
Romajikatsura
Meaning
- nounwig
Example
舞台でかつらをかぶります。bu tai de ka tsu ra o ka bu ri ma su
I wear a wig on stage.
More examples
撮影が終わると、出演者は控室でかつらを外します。satsu ei ga o wa ru to shutsu en sha wa hikae shitsu de ka tsu ra o hazu shi ma su
When filming ends, the performers take off their wigs in the dressing room.
Core concept
Adds a shaped layer of hair to the head when natural hair is absent, insufficient, or styled differently.
Common phrases
かつらをかぶるka tsu ra o ka bu ru
wear a wig
かつらを外すka tsu ra o hazu su
take off a wig
Similar words
ヘアピースheapīsu: A hairpiece that usually covers only a thinning or bald area.
Definition in Japanese
自分の髪に代えて頭にかぶる人工の髪。ji bun no kami ni ka e te atama ni ka bu ru jin kō no kami
Word origin
The native Japanese noun かつら (katsura) is linked to the older form かづら (kazura), which referred to a vine worn as a head ornament; 鬘 (katsura, "hair ornament") records this traditional sense.
Usage tips
- English distinguishes a wig, which can cover much of the head, from a toupee, which usually covers only a thinning or bald area.
Other meanings
- hairpiecenoun
- toupeenoun