坊主(ぼうず)

坊主(ぼうず) has multiple meanings depending on context. The hairstyle meaning (sense 2) is the most common in everyday conversation.

Etymology

坊(ぼう) (a monk's lodging within a temple) + 主(ず) (master). Originally the master of such a lodging, the head monk.

Common collocations

• 坊主(ぼうず)頭(あたま): shaved head, buzz cut
• 坊主(ぼうず)にする: to shave one's head
• 坊主(ぼうず)刈(が)り: crew cut, buzz cut

Common expressions

• 三日(みっか)坊主(ぼうず): someone who can't stick to anything (lit. "three-day monk" — one who enters a temple but gives up after three days)
• 坊主(ぼうず)憎(にく)けりゃ袈裟(けさ)まで憎(にく)い: hate the monk and you hate his robe too
• 坊主(ぼうず)だった: (fishing slang) caught nothing at all

Usage

When referring to Buddhist monks (sense 1), 坊主(ぼうず) is casual and can be slightly disrespectful. More polite terms are お坊(ぼう)さん or 僧侶(そうりょ) (formal).

Sense 3 (boy/kid) is often used affectionately by older people: 坊主(ぼうず)、元気(げんき)か？ (Hey kid, how are you?)