ピアス

• Reading: ピアス
• Romaji: piasu
• Pronunciation: /pi.a.sɯ/

Meaning

Piercing or pierced earrings; the most common form of body modification accessory in Japan.

ピアス in Japanese refers to both the act of piercing and the earrings themselves (specifically pierced earrings, as opposed to イヤリング which are clip-ons). Getting your ears pierced is a common coming-of-age milestone for young Japanese women, often done at a clinic rather than a piercing shop. The number and placement of piercings can signal style identity — multiple ear piercings and cartilage piercings are associated with edgier or more fashion-forward styles.

Examples

1. 大学入ったらピアス開けたいってずっと思ってた。 I've been wanting to get my ears pierced ever since I started college.
2. そのピアスかわいい！どこで買ったの？ Those earrings are so cute! Where did you buy them?
3. ピアス開けすぎて右耳だけで5個ある。 I got so many piercings that I have five on my right ear alone.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, accessories, shopping, daily conversation

Tone: casual, everyday

Do Say

• ピアス開けたいんだけど病院とピアススタジオどっちがいい？ (I want to get pierced — is a clinic or a piercing studio better?)
• このコーデにはゴールドのピアスが合いそう。 (Gold earrings would match this outfit.)

Don't Say

• 仕事の面接で派手なピアスは避けるべき (Flashy piercings should be avoided in job interviews)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing ピアス with イヤリング — ピアス requires a pierced hole, while イヤリング refers to clip-on earrings that do not require piercing

Origin & History

From English 'pierce.' Adopted into Japanese to distinguish pierced earrings from clip-on イヤリング. The term has been in common use since the 1990s as ear piercing became mainstream among young women.

Cultural Context

Era: 1990s mainstream adoption

Generation: All ages, most common among young women

Social background: Universal accessory

Regional notes: Used across Japan. In Japan, ear piercing is commonly done at dermatology clinics rather than at jewellery shops or piercing studios.