Translation guide
Describing a hairstyle where the hair is cut in a bob, or a person wearing such a hairstyle.
ボブの女性
a woman with a bob
彼女はボブにしている。
She has a bob.
The learner wants to say someone has a bob haircut, e.g., 'She has a bob' or 'a woman with a bob'.
ボブ (bobu) is the direct loanword for a modern bob hairstyle. Use の to describe a person.
おかっぱ頭 (okappa atama) literally 'bob head', a slightly more descriptive phrase. Can sound a bit childish or old-fashioned.
おかっぱ頭の子
a kid with a bob
ボブカット (bobu katto) explicitly means 'bob cut'. Slightly more technical, often used in fashion contexts.
ボブカットのモデル
a model with a bob cut
The learner wants to refer to the bob hairstyle, e.g., 'She has a bob' or 'I want a bob'.
The standard term for a modern bob. Use with にする (to get a bob) or だ (is a bob).
彼女はボブにしている。
She has a bob.
ボブにしたいです。
I want to get a bob.
Refers to the traditional Japanese bob, often a blunt cut with bangs. Can imply a childlike or classic look.
Explicitly 'bob cut', used in salons or fashion. Slightly more formal/technical than ボブ alone.
ボブカットにしてください。
Please give me a bob cut.
Literally 'bob head', can sound childish or dated. Use with caution.
あの子はおかっぱ頭だ。
That kid has a bob.
ボブ is the modern loanword for a bob hairstyle, suitable for all ages and contexts. おかっぱ refers to a traditional Japanese blunt bob, often associated with children or a classic look. Use ボブ for a contemporary style, and おかっぱ when describing a traditional or childlike cut.
彼女はおしゃれなボブにしている。
She has a stylish bob.
その子はおかっぱでかわいい。
That child is cute with a bob.
娘はおかっぱだ。
My daughter has a bob.
おかっぱが似合う。
A bob suits (her/him).