Translation guide
The practice of shaving part or all of the head, often for religious reasons. In Japanese contexts, this is primarily associated with Buddhist monks.
Referring to the shaved head of a Buddhist monk, or the act of shaving the head as part of monastic ordination.
The standard term for the ritual shaving of the head, especially when becoming a Buddhist monk. Can refer to both the act and the resulting appearance.
Referring to the specific shaved spot on the crown of the head in some Christian traditions.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'shaving of the top of the head'. Used when explaining the Christian practice, as there is no single common Japanese word for this specific style.
中世の修道士は頭頂部の剃髪をしていた。
Medieval monks had a tonsure on the crown of their heads.
In Japanese, 'tonsure' almost always refers to the shaved head of a Buddhist monk. If you need to talk about Christian tonsure, use descriptive phrases or the loanword トンスラ, and provide context.
彼は出家して剃髪した。
He entered the priesthood and had his head shaved.
Literally 'monk's head', this is a common, slightly informal term for a completely shaved head, not limited to religious contexts.
夏は坊主頭が涼しい。
A shaved head is cool in the summer.
A formal Buddhist term for the ordination ceremony that includes head shaving. Rarely used outside religious contexts.
剃度の儀式が執り行われた。
The tonsure ceremony was held.
Loanword from Latin 'tonsura', used in academic or historical contexts to refer specifically to the Christian tonsure.
トンスラは聖職者の象徴だった。
The tonsure was a symbol of the clergy.