Translation guide
A chignon is a hairstyle where the hair is twisted or coiled into a knot or bun at the nape of the neck or back of the head. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is シニヨン, a loanword from French, but native terms like お団子 (for a round bun) or 髷 (traditional topknot) exist depending on style and context.
Describing a classic chignon: hair gathered and twisted into a low knot at the back of the head, often for formal occasions.
The most direct and widely understood term for a chignon, borrowed from French. Used in fashion and beauty contexts.
結婚式にはシニヨンにしようと思っています。
I'm thinking of doing a chignon for the wedding.
Literally 'low bun'. A casual description that can refer to a chignon-like style, though お団子 often implies a rounder shape.
今日は低めのお団子にしてみた。
I tried a low bun today.
A traditional Japanese updo similar to a chignon, often worn with kimono for formal evening events. Literally 'evening party twist'.
着物に合わせて夜会巻きにしてもらいました。
I had my hair done in a yakai-maki to go with my kimono.
Referring to any hairstyle where hair is twisted into a knot, not necessarily low or formal. Includes casual buns and traditional Japanese styles.
Common word for a bun, especially a round one on top or back of the head. Can be casual or cute.
髪をお団子に結ぶ。
I tie my hair into a bun.
Traditional Japanese topknot or chignon, historically worn by men (e.g., samurai) and women. Now mostly seen in period dramas or sumo.
時代劇の登場人物は髷を結っている。
Characters in period dramas wear topknots.
Literally 'bundled hair'. A somewhat literary or descriptive term for hair tied back in a bunch or simple knot.
彼女は長い髪を束ね髪にしていた。
She had her long hair tied back in a knot.
シニヨン is a direct loanword for a classic low chignon, often used in formal or fashion contexts. お団子 is a general, casual term for any round bun, including high buns. 夜会巻き is a specific traditional Japanese updo for formal kimono occasions, similar to a chignon but with cultural nuances.
パーティーにはシニヨンが上品でいいですね。
A chignon is elegant for a party, isn't it?
暑いからお団子にしちゃった。
It's hot so I just put it up in a bun.
Avoid using ポニーテール (ponytail) or 三つ編み (braid) when you mean a chignon. A chignon is specifically a twisted knot, not a hanging tail or braided style.