Translation guide
A hairpin is a small, usually U-shaped object used to hold hair in place. In Japanese, the most common word is ヘアピン, a loanword from English. There are also traditional Japanese hairpins called かんざし, which are more ornamental. This guide covers how to refer to hairpins in different contexts.
hairpin (general)
traditional Japanese hairpin
Referring to a standard, simple hairpin used to secure hair.
The most common and neutral word for a hairpin, borrowed from English. Used for the typical U-shaped metal or plastic pins.
A shorter, more casual term for hairpin, often used in compound words or when the context is clear. Can also refer to other types of pins.
Referring to a decorative, often long, hairpin used in traditional Japanese hairstyles.
Referring to a flat, springy hairpin used to hold hair tightly.
In Japanese, ヘアピン can also refer to bobby pins, though sometimes distinguished by context.
Referring to a sharp bend in a road resembling a hairpin.
ヘアピン refers to modern, simple hairpins, while かんざし refers to traditional, often decorative hairpins worn with kimono. Using かんざし for a bobby pin would sound odd.
A hairpin goes well with a yukata.
If you are talking about a simple metal hairpin, use ヘアピン. implies a traditional, often valuable ornament.
This hairpin is bent.
I secure my hair with a pin.
A traditional Japanese hair ornament, often worn with kimono. It can be a single prong or two-pronged, and is usually decorative.
She is wearing a beautiful hairpin.
I got this hairpin from my grandmother.
The kanji for かんざし. Used in written Japanese or formal contexts.
They are exhibiting a collection of hairpins.
I pinned my bangs back with a bobby pin.
A specific term for bobby pins, literally 'American pin'. Less common than ヘアピン.
I'm going to buy some bobby pins.
The standard term for a hairpin turn, a loanword from English.
There are many hairpin turns on the mountain road.
A Japanese term for a winding road with many sharp turns, often used for mountain paths.
We climb the winding road.