Japanese word

床屋

Pronunciation

Romajitokoya

Meaning

  • nounbarber

Example

父は床屋です。chichi wa toko ya de su

My father is a barber.

Illustration for 床屋 (barber)

More examples

休日は近所の床屋で髪を切りました。kyū jitsu wa kin jo no toko ya de kami o ki ri ma shi ta

I got a haircut at a barbershop near my home on my day off.

Core concept

Names either the person who cuts and styles hair or the place where this service is provided.

Common phrases

  • 床屋に行くtoko ya ni i ku

    go to the barber

  • 床屋で髪を切るtoko ya de kami o ki ru

    get a haircut at a barbershop

Similar words

理容師riyōshi: A licensed worker who provides haircuts, styling, and shaves.
理容店riyōten: A shop that provides haircuts, styling, and shaving services.

Definition in Japanese

髪を切ったり整えたりする人。また、その店。kami o ki tta ri totono e ta ri su ru hito ma ta so no mise

Word origin

床 (toko, "floor") combines with 屋 (ya, "shop or person associated with something") to form 床屋 (tokoya), a compound for a barber or barbershop.

Usage tips

  • Many Japanese 床屋 (tokoya) shops offer a face shave as well as a haircut, a service more closely associated with barbers than with hair salons.

Other meanings

  • barbershopnoun

Word lists with this word