hair

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 髪 denotes hair on the head; its on-reading is はつ, and its kun-reading is かみ.
• Basic usage: Standalone 髪 refers to hair, while 髪型 refers to a hairstyle.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 髪 / 髪型
  • 髪: Read as かみ, this noun refers to hair that can be cut or tied back. Example: 風で髪が顔にかかったので、後ろで結びました。
  • 髪型: This noun refers to the overall shape or style in which the hair is arranged. Example: 写真を見せて同じ髪型にしてもらった。