Translation guide
A common form of hair loss in both men and women, often referred to as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss. In Japanese, the medical term is used in clinical contexts, while everyday conversation uses more general terms for thinning hair or baldness.
The formal medical condition of androgenic alopecia, used in healthcare settings.
Standard medical term for male-pattern baldness. Literally 'male-type hair loss condition'. Used in clinical diagnoses and medical literature.
男性型脱毛症の治療にはフィナステリドが使われる。
Finasteride is used to treat androgenic alopecia.
Medical term for female-pattern hair loss. Used when specifically referring to women.
女性型脱毛症は更年期以降に多く見られる。
Female-pattern hair loss is often seen after menopause.
Abbreviation for 'androgenetic alopecia', commonly used in Japanese clinics and advertisements for hair loss treatments. Pronounced as English letters.
AGAクリニックで相談してみよう。
Let's consult at an AGA clinic.
Common, non-technical ways to talk about hair loss or balding in daily conversation.
General term for thinning hair, not necessarily complete baldness. Can be used for both men and women. Commonly used in advertisements for hair growth products.
最近、薄毛が気になってきた。
I've been worried about my thinning hair lately.
Baldness or balding. Can be blunt or humorous depending on context. Often used for male pattern baldness. Can be offensive if used carelessly.
Can be rude if used directly to describe someone. Use with caution.
Hair loss in the sense of hair falling out. Focuses on the shedding process rather than the resulting appearance.
Expressions that describe the specific pattern of hair loss typical of androgenic alopecia.
Receding hairline. Literally 'hairline retreats'. Common way to describe the M-shaped pattern.
生え際が後退してきて、M字になってきた。
My hairline is receding and becoming M-shaped.
Thinning at the crown (top of the head). Typical of male-pattern baldness.
頭頂部が薄くなってきたので、育毛剤を使い始めた。
Since the crown of my head started thinning, I began using hair growth tonic.
In Japanese, as in English, there is a distinction between clinical terminology (男性型脱毛症, AGA) and everyday words (薄毛, 禿げ). Use medical terms in formal or healthcare contexts, and everyday terms in casual conversation. Be mindful that 禿げ can be perceived as rude if used to describe someone directly.
医者に男性型脱毛症と診断された。
I was diagnosed with androgenic alopecia by the doctor.
友達に「最近薄毛になった？」と聞かれた。
A friend asked me, 'Has your hair been thinning lately?'
Japanese culture often avoids direct comments about appearance that could be embarrassing. Instead of saying 'You're going bald,' it's more polite to use indirect expressions or not mention it at all. If you must refer to it, 薄毛 is softer than 禿げ.
髪の毛、ちょっと気になる？
Are you a bit concerned about your hair? (indirect)
My father has been bald since he was young.
I lose a lot of hair when shampooing.