おさげ

おさげ
noun
braids; pigtails; plaits
1. braids; pigtails; plaits
Hair braided and hanging down, typically in two braids on each side of the head. Most commonly associated with girls' hairstyles.
おさげの(おんな)()
A girl with braids.
(かみ)をおさげにする。
To wear one's hair in braids.
小学生(しょうがくせい)のころ、毎朝(まいあさ)(はは)におさげを()んでもらっていた。
When I was in elementary school, my mother braided my hair every morning.

From お()げ, literally "hanging down" with the honorific prefix お. Originally referred to any hair hanging down the back, but now specifically means braided pigtails.

USAGE:
Strongly associated with young girls, especially schoolgirls. The image of おさげ evokes childhood and innocence in Japanese culture. Also called ()()み (three-strand braid) when referring to the braiding technique itself.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • おさげの(おんな)() — a girl with braids
  • おさげにする — to wear in braids
  • おさげを()む — to braid pigtails
  • おさげ(がみ) — braided hair

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ()()み — braid, plait; refers to the braiding technique
  • ツインテール — twin tails; ponytails on each side (not braided)
  • ポニーテール — ponytail; a single tail at the back