床屋

• Reading: とこや
• Romaji: tokoya
• Kanji breakdown: 床 (toko) — floor, bed, platform; 屋 (ya) — shop, house
• Pronunciation: /to.ko.ja/

Meaning

Barber; barbershop. A shop where men get haircuts and shaves.

A noun referring to a traditional barbershop, typically catering to men. Distinct from 美容院 (beauty salon), which is more unisex or female-oriented. Japanese barbershops are identified by the rotating red, white, and blue striped pole outside. The word has a slightly old-fashioned feel but remains widely used.

Examples

1. 髪が伸びたので床屋に行きたいです。 My hair has gotten long, so I want to go to the barber.
2. 駅前の床屋はいつも混んでいます。 The barbershop in front of the station is always crowded.
3. 子供の頃は父と一緒に床屋に通っていました。 When I was a kid, I used to go to the barbershop with my dad.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, grooming, shops

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 床 (toko, meaning floor or raised platform) and 屋 (ya, meaning shop). Originally referred to the raised platform where customers sat for haircuts in the Edo period.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal