How to say "comb" in Japanese

• 櫛くしJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe noun: it names the comb itself, the toothed implement used on the hair. Use it for the object — buying one, carrying one, a wooden comb — not for the act of combing.
  外出がいしゅつする前まえに髪かみを櫛くしでときなさい。↗

  Comb your hair before you go out.
• 撫でるなでるJLPT N2approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbThe verb: to comb or smooth the hair down, with a nuance of gentle stroking. Its core meaning is stroking, so it suits smoothing the hair rather than working through tangles with a comb.

Use 櫛 for the comb itself — the implement you hold, buy, or carry — and 「撫でる」 for the verb of combing or smoothing hair down, whose nuance is gentle stroking rather than working through the hair with a comb.

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

• 櫛くしcomb
• コームcomb
• 梳くすくto comb (out)
• 髪を梳かすかみをとかすto comb (one's hair)
• 梳るくしけずるto comb
• とさかcockscomb
• かき撫でるかきなでるto smooth with the hand
• 撫でるなでるto comb (hair)
• とくto comb (out)