How to say "beard" in Japanese

• ひげJLPT N4approx.Common
  nounThe default word for facial hair, covering moustache, beard, and whiskers alike. Use this whenever you are not specifying a particular part of the face; context or a fuller phrase narrows the meaning.
  お父とうさんがバスルームでひげを剃そっている。↗

  Dad is shaving in the bathroom.
• あごひげ
  nounSpecifically a beard on the chin, including a goatee. Use it when the location on the face matters and you want to distinguish the chin from other facial hair.
  あごひげが、ある為ために彼かれは１０歳さいほど実際じっさいよりふけてみえた。↗

  His beard made him look older by ten years.
• 須髯しゅぜん
  nounA less common word meaning beard. Seldom the word learners want for everyday use; it suits formal or literary writing rather than ordinary conversation.

Use 「ひげ」 for facial hair generally, 「あごひげ」 when you mean a beard on the chin specifically, and 須髯 only in formal or literary contexts.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ひげmoustache
• あごひげbeard (esp. on the chin)
• 須髯しゅぜんbeard
• 芒のぎarista