Translation guide
The English word 'hairy' describes something covered with hair or having a lot of hair. In Japanese, the translation depends on what is being described: body parts, animals, plants, or metaphorical situations. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express 'hairy' in Japanese.
Describing a person or body part that is covered with hair, often more than average.
The most common and neutral word for 'hairy' when referring to a person's body or body parts. It implies a noticeable amount of hair.
He has hairy arms.
I have a complex about being hairy.
A more literal phrase meaning 'has a lot of hair'. It can be used for both people and animals, and is slightly more descriptive than 毛深い.
Our dog is hairy.
He has a lot of hair on his chest.
Refers to coarse, thick, or bristly hair. Often used for body hair that is stiff or wiry, or for animal fur. More technical or descriptive.
His beard is bristly.
Describing animals, plants, or things that have a hairy or fuzzy surface.
Describes something that is shaggy or covered with thick, messy hair. Often used for animals or sometimes humorously for people.
That dog is hairy/shaggy.
Literally 'hair is growing'. Used to state that something has hair on it, often for plants, fruits, or unexpected places.
This leaf is hairy.
While primarily for people, 毛深い can also describe animals that are particularly hairy, though 毛むくじゃら is more common for shagginess.
Using 'hairy' in a figurative sense to describe a situation that is scary, risky, or challenging.
The most direct translation for 'dangerous' or 'risky'. It captures the sense of a 'hairy' situation well.
That was a hairy situation.
Means 'scary' or 'frightening'. Suitable when 'hairy' implies fear.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning 'to feel nervous' or 'to be on edge'. It conveys the tense, hair-raising feeling of a hairy moment.
The car skidded and it was hairy.
An idiom meaning 'to be scared stiff' or 'to have one's blood run cold'. It's a stronger, more dramatic way to describe a frightening experience.
Do not use 毛深い or other hair-related words to describe a dangerous or frightening situation. It will sound nonsensical. Use words like 危ない or 怖い instead.
毛深い is an adjective meaning 'hairy' as a characteristic, while 毛が多い is a phrase meaning 'has a lot of hair'. Both are common, but 毛深い is more idiomatic for describing people. 毛が多い can be used more flexibly for animals and specific body parts.
He's really hairy.
I hate hairy spiders.
The surface of a peach is fuzzy.
毛深い猫が好きだ。
I like hairy cats.
That experience was really hairy.
I had a hairy moment when I heard the news.