Translation guide
Alopecia refers to hair loss, typically from the scalp. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 脱毛症 (datsumoushou), but the specific type and context determine the best word. For everyday conversation, simpler phrases like 髪が抜ける (kami ga nukeru) or 薄毛 (usuge) are more natural.
The clinical condition of losing hair, especially from the scalp, as a medical diagnosis.
The standard medical term for alopecia. It is a formal, clinical word used by doctors and in medical contexts.
彼は脱毛症と診断された。
He was diagnosed with alopecia.
A more general term for hair loss, often used in medical or cosmetic contexts. It can refer to the process or condition.
脱毛の原因はストレスかもしれません。
The cause of hair loss might be stress.
Describing hair falling out in casual conversation, not necessarily a medical diagnosis.
Literally 'hair falls out'. This is the most natural way to talk about hair loss in daily life.
最近、髪がよく抜けるんです。
Lately, my hair has been falling out a lot.
Means 'hair becomes thin', focusing on the visible result rather than the process of falling out.
父は年を取って髪が薄くなった。
My father's hair has thinned with age.
The autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss, often in round spots.
The precise medical term for alopecia areata. Commonly known and used in Japan.
円形脱毛症は突然発症することがあります。
Alopecia areata can develop suddenly.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'round hair loss', used in casual explanation.
頭に丸い脱毛ができた。
I got a round bald spot on my head.
Common male or female pattern baldness, often age-related or genetic.
General term for baldness. Can be blunt or humorous depending on context. Use with care.
Can be considered rude if used directly about someone. Often used self-deprecatingly or in close relationships.
彼は若いのに禿げてきた。
He's going bald even though he's young.
Literally 'thin hair'. A softer, more polite way to refer to balding or thinning hair.
Medical term for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Used in clinical settings.
男性型脱毛症の治療薬があります。
There are medications for male pattern baldness.
The English word 'alopecia' is medical. In casual Japanese, saying 脱毛症 may sound overly clinical. Use 髪が抜ける or 薄毛 instead.
禿げ (hage) is direct and can be insulting. 薄毛 (usuge) is softer and more polite. For self-description or close friends, 禿げ is acceptable, but for others, prefer 薄毛 or descriptive phrases.
Many men suffer from thinning hair.