(はかま)

はかま
noun
hakama, traditional pants
1. hakama
Traditional Japanese pleated trousers or skirt.
(はかま)()
To wear hakama.
I wore hakama at the graduation ceremony.

(はかま) is a traditional Japanese garment worn over a 着物(きもの), covering the lower body. It resembles wide-legged trousers or a long skirt.

VERBS:

  • (はかま)()く: to put on / wear hakama
  • (はかま)()ける: to put on hakama (alternative)

TYPES:

  • 馬乗(うまの)(はかま): divided hakama (trouser-style, used in martial arts)
  • 行灯(あんどん)(はかま): undivided hakama (skirt-style, common at graduations)

MODERN USES:

  • 卒業式(そつぎょうしき): graduation ceremonies, especially popular with female university students
  • 武道(ぶどう): martial arts such as 剣道(けんどう) and 合気道(あいきどう)
  • 神社(じんじゃ): worn by Shinto priests and shrine attendants
  • 茶道(さどう): tea ceremony

Hakama were historically worn by samurai. Today they are mainly seen at formal traditional events.