Meaning and Usage
The word "毛" (け) primarily means "hair" or "fur" and is used to refer to the hair on humans or the fur on animals. It can also refer to fibers like wool in clothing.
Common Contexts
You will often see "毛" used when talking about pet fur, human hair, or materials made from animal hair such as wool sweaters. It is a common noun in everyday conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 毛が抜ける (けがぬける): hair falls out, used when hair or fur sheds.
- 毛をとかす: to brush hair or fur.
- 毛のセーター: a sweater made of wool or animal hair.
Register and Nuance
"毛" is a neutral term and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. When referring to human hair, it is often used in a general sense rather than specific hairstyles.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "毛" with "髪" (かみ), which specifically means human head hair. Use "毛" for general hair or fur, and "髪" when emphasizing hair on the head.