hige

Hige is a Japanese word that translates to "beard" or "mustache" in English. It refers to the hair that grows on the chin, upper lip, and cheeks of humans and some animals. In Japanese culture, the presence and style of a beard or mustache can carry various social connotations, though it is generally less common for men to wear prominent facial hair compared to some Western cultures.

The term "hige" can be used in everyday conversation when referring to a man's facial hair. For example, someone might comment on a person's "hige" if it is particularly long, neatly trimmed, or absent. In anime and manga, characters with beards or mustaches are often depicted as older, wiser, or more authoritative figures, though this is not a strict rule and depends on the character's design and role.

Beyond literal facial hair, "hige" can sometimes be used metaphorically. For instance, in certain contexts, it might imply a sense of coarseness or a rough exterior. However, the primary and most common meaning of "hige" remains the physical growth of hair on the face. The cultural perception and styling of "hige" can vary, but its fundamental meaning is consistent.