袴(はかま)

袴(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:

• 袴(はかま)を履(は)く: to put on / wear hakama
• 袴(はかま)を着(つ)ける: to put on hakama (alternative)

TYPES:

• 馬乗(うまの)り袴(はかま): divided hakama (trouser-style, used in martial arts)
• 行灯(あんどん)袴(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.