Translation guide
Describes a head with little or no hair. Japanese has several common words and phrases, ranging from neutral to casual or euphemistic.
To describe a bald head in a straightforward, non-offensive way.
The most common and neutral term for a bald head. Can be used in everyday conversation.
He is self-conscious about his bald head.
Literally 'smooth/slippery head', often used for a completely shaved or very shiny bald head. Slightly more casual and descriptive.
I stroked the baby's smooth bald head.
Refers to a shaved head, like a Buddhist monk's. Often used for a closely cropped or intentionally bald style, not necessarily natural baldness.
A shaved head is cool in summer.
To refer to a bald head in a very informal, sometimes humorous way.
A very common casual word for 'baldness' or 'bald head'. Can be used jokingly among friends but may be considered rude if used carelessly.
Can be offensive if used to describe someone directly without a close relationship.
That guy is going bald, huh.
Combines the casual 'ハゲ' with '頭' (head). Slightly more emphatic than just 'ハゲ'.
He wears a hat to hide his bald head.
To refer to baldness indirectly or politely, often in formal situations.
To describe baldness in a clinical or medical context.
Medical term for alopecia or hair loss condition. Used in formal or medical settings.
I am looking for treatments for alopecia.
Words like ハゲ can be very direct and potentially insulting. Use euphemisms like 頭が薄い in polite conversation, especially when referring to someone else.
はげ (hage) is a noun meaning 'baldness' or 'bald person'. はげ頭 (hage atama) specifically means 'bald head'. ハゲ in katakana is often used in casual or humorous contexts, similar to the kanji form but with a slightly more emphatic or slangy feel.
My father has little hair, but he doesn't mind.