Translation guide
A tassel is a decorative hanging ornament made of threads or cords. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 房 (ふさ), but other words like タッセル and 総 (ふさ) are used depending on context. This guide covers how to refer to tassels in clothing, accessories, curtains, and traditional Japanese items.
tassel
General term. Use タッセル for Western-style or graduation tassels.
To refer to a tassel as a decorative item on clothing, accessories, curtains, etc.
The most common and general word for a tassel. Can be used for tassels on clothing, bags, curtains, and traditional items.
The tassels on the curtains are pretty.
This scarf has tassels on it.
Loanword from English, commonly used in fashion and interior design contexts. Often implies a more Western-style tassel.
The tassel on this bag is stylish.
An alternative kanji for 房, sometimes used in specific contexts like traditional crafts or formal writing. Less common in everyday use.
The kimono sash was decorated with a tassel.
To refer to a tassel specifically on items like のれん (shop curtains), 提灯 (lanterns), or 祭り (festival) decorations.
Still the standard word, but in traditional contexts it may be part of a compound or described with more specific terms.
The tassels of the shop curtain are swaying in the wind.
Literally 'decorative tassel', used when emphasizing the ornamental aspect, especially on traditional items.
The lantern has a decorative tassel attached.
To refer to the tassel on a graduation cap (mortarboard).
In the context of graduation caps, the loanword タッセル is almost exclusively used.
Move the tassel from right to left at the graduation ceremony.
To describe the loose, hanging threads at the edge of fabric, like on a scarf or rug.
Can also refer to the fringe or tassel-like edge of fabric.
There are tassels at the ends of the muffler.
Loanword for 'fringe', often used in fashion to describe decorative hanging threads. Slightly different from a single tassel, but can overlap.
房 (ふさ) is the native Japanese word and is used broadly for any tassel-like ornament, including traditional items. タッセル is a loanword from English and is more common in modern fashion, interior design, and graduation contexts. When in doubt, 房 is safe for general use, but タッセル may sound more natural for Western-style items.
kimono tassel
このジャケットにはフリンジがついている。
This jacket has fringe on it.