Translation guide
A barber is a person whose job is cutting men's hair and sometimes shaving or trimming beards. In Japanese, the word for barber is 理容師 (りようし), but the shop itself is often called 床屋 (とこや) in casual speech. This guide covers how to refer to the person, the shop, and related actions.
Referring to a barber as a professional who cuts men's hair.
Standard, formal term for a licensed barber. Used in official contexts and signs.
彼は理容師の免許を持っています。
He has a barber's license.
Casual, friendly way to refer to a barber. The さん adds politeness. Often used when talking about 'my barber'.
いつもの床屋さんに髪を切ってもらった。
I got my hair cut by my usual barber.
Polite form of 理容師, used when addressing or referring to a barber respectfully.
理容師さん、もう少し短くしてください。
Barber, please cut it a little shorter.
Referring to the place where a barber works.
Most common, casual word for a barbershop. Used in everyday conversation.
駅前に新しい床屋ができた。
A new barbershop opened in front of the station.
Formal term for a barbershop, often seen on signs or in official names.
あの理容室は予約が必要です。
That barbershop requires a reservation.
Another formal term, similar to 理容室, used in business names.
Expressing the action of visiting a barber for a haircut or shave.
Standard phrase for 'go to the barber'. Use this in casual conversation.
明日、床屋に行くつもりだ。
I'm planning to go to the barber tomorrow.
Literally 'go for a haircut'. Can be used for barbers or hair salons, but common for men's cuts.
そろそろ散髪に行かないと。
I need to go get a haircut soon.
More formal way to say 'go to the barber'. Used when the shop is specifically a 理容室.
彼は毎月同じ理容室に行っている。
He goes to the same barbershop every month.
Describing the service of having one's hair cut by a barber.
Means 'to have someone cut my hair'. The barber is implied by context. Use 床屋で to specify location.
床屋で髪を切ってもらった。
I had my hair cut at the barber.
Literally 'have a haircut done for me'. Slightly more formal than 髪を切ってもらう.
いつもの床屋で散髪してもらった。
I got a haircut at my usual barber.
床屋 (barber) traditionally cuts men's hair and may offer shaves. 美容院 (beauty salon) is for both men and women, but often associated with more styling. Men can go to either, but 床屋 is specifically a barber.
男性でも美容院に行く人は増えている。
Even men are increasingly going to beauty salons.
理髪店 (りはつてん) is an older, less common word for barbershop. It's understood but sounds dated. Stick with 床屋 or 理容室.
この理容店は創業50年です。
This barbershop was founded 50 years ago.