Translation guide
A hairpiece is an artificial covering or addition of hair worn to conceal baldness, enhance appearance, or as part of a costume. Japanese has several words depending on the type and context.
A general term for any artificial hair worn on the head, including full wigs and partial pieces.
The most common and general word for a wig or hairpiece. Can refer to full wigs, toupees, or costume wigs.
彼はかつらをかぶっている。
He is wearing a hairpiece.
舞台用のかつらを注文した。
I ordered a stage wig.
Loanword from English 'wig'. Often used in fashion, beauty, and medical contexts. Sounds slightly more modern or stylish than かつら.
彼女はおしゃれでウィッグをつけている。
She wears a wig as a fashion accessory.
A small hairpiece used by men to cover a bald spot.
Literally 'partial wig'. Specifically refers to a toupee or hairpiece that covers only part of the head.
彼は部分かつらで薄くなった頭頂部を隠している。
He uses a toupee to hide his thinning crown.
Loanword directly from English 'hairpiece'. Often used in advertisements or by specialists. May sound technical.
最新のヘアピースは自然な見た目です。
The latest hairpieces look natural.
A hairpiece used by women to add volume or length, often for styling.
Short for 'hair extension'. Very common among younger women. Refers to clip-in or bonded hair additions.
彼女は髪にエクステンションをつけてボリュームを出した。
She added extensions to her hair for volume.
Full form of エクステンション. Used in formal or written contexts.
ヘアエクステンションの需要が高まっている。
Demand for hair extensions is increasing.
Traditional term for false hair or hairpieces. Can refer to any detachable hair addition, including those used in traditional hairstyles.
花嫁は日本髪につけ毛を使った。
The bride used a hairpiece for her traditional Japanese hairstyle.
A wig used in theater, cosplay, or performances.
Specifically a wig for cosplay. Very common in otaku culture.
アニメキャラのコスプレウィッグを買った。
I bought a cosplay wig for an anime character.
A wig specifically for stage performances, including traditional theater like kabuki.
歌舞伎役者は舞台かつらをつける。
Kabuki actors wear stage wigs.
Both mean 'wig', but かつら is the traditional Japanese word and can sound slightly old-fashioned or associated with baldness concealment. ウィッグ is a modern loanword often used in fashion, beauty, and medical contexts (e.g., for cancer patients). In casual conversation, かつら is more common, but ウィッグ is gaining popularity.
The English word 'hairpiece' is not commonly used as a loanword in Japanese. While ヘアピース exists, it is technical and not widely understood. Use かつら or ウィッグ for general purposes, and specify the type if needed.