髻 (jì) - Hair bun or chignon — a traditional hairstyle

髻Tone 4

jì ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

慧佳

髻 · jì

Hair bun or chignon — a traditional hairstyle where hair is coiled or twisted into a knot at the back or top of the head.

Hair bun or chignon — a traditional hairstyle

Usage highlights

Hair bunHigh bunCoiled bunLoose bunCloud bunButterfly bun

Synonyms

  • 鬓— Temples or hair on the temples (related to hairstyling)
  • 鬟— Circular hair bun (specifically for young women)

Antonyms

  • 散发— Loose, unbound hair (opposite of styled bun)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She styled her hair in an elegant bun (发髻).
  • The ancient painting shows women with elaborate hair buns (高髻).
  • Traditional Japanese geisha wear distinctive hair buns (日本髻).
  • The dancer's hair was secured in a tight bun (盘髻).

Collocations

  • Hair bun(发髻)
  • High bun(高髻)
  • Coiled bun(盘髻)
  • Loose bun(慵髻)
  • Cloud bun(云髻)
  • Butterfly bun(蝶髻)

Idioms

  • Cloud-like hair bun and flower decorations(云髻花颜)
  • Wind-blown bun and remaining powder(风髻雾鬓)
  • Hair bun half undone(髻鬟半偏)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Hair buns were a standard hairstyle for married women in ancient China, symbolizing maturity and marital status.
  • Different dynasties had distinctive bun styles that reflected fashion trends and social status.
  • Elaborate hair buns were often adorned with hairpins, flowers, and other ornaments as displays of wealth.
  • The character appears in classical poetry and literature describing feminine beauty and elegance.

FAQ