Gyaru and ganguro are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe a particular fashion subculture in Japan. However, there are distinct differences between the two, and it’s important to understand what each one means in order to appreciate the nuances of this unique style.
Gyaru is the more general term, and it refers to a style of fashion and lifestyle that emerged in Japan in the 1990s. The word “gyaru” is derived from the English word “gal,” and it is used to describe young women who dress in a particular way and adopt a particular lifestyle. Gyaru fashion is characterized by bold, colorful clothing, heavy makeup, and dyed hair. The overall aesthetic is one of youthful exuberance and rebelliousness.
Ganguro, on the other hand, is a specific subcategory of gyaru fashion that emerged in the late 1990s. The word “ganguro” is derived from the Japanese word for “black face,” and it refers to the dark tans that ganguro girls would often sport. In addition to the tans, ganguro fashion was characterized by even bolder makeup and clothing choices than standard gyaru fashion. The overall effect was often described as a kind of punk-rock Barbie aesthetic.
While gyaru and ganguro share many similarities, they are not the same thing. Gyaru is a broader term that encompasses a range of fashion and lifestyle choices, while ganguro is a more specific subculture that emerged within the gyaru movement. Understanding the differences between the two can help you appreciate the unique beauty and creativity of each.
Define Gyaru
Gyaru is a Japanese subculture that originated in the 1970s and became popular in the 1990s. The word “gyaru” comes from the English word “gal” and refers to young women who dress in a flamboyant and often provocative style. Gyaru fashion is characterized by brightly colored clothing, heavy makeup, and bleached hair. Gyaru culture also includes a focus on socializing, partying, and shopping.
Define Ganguro
Ganguro is a subculture that emerged within the gyaru movement in the late 1990s. The word “ganguro” means “black face” in Japanese and refers to the dark tans that ganguro girls sported. Ganguro fashion is characterized by dark tans, white makeup around the eyes and mouth, and brightly colored clothing. Ganguro girls also often wore platform shoes and carried small purses with teddy bear or Hello Kitty designs. The ganguro subculture was known for its rebellious and anti-social attitude.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When discussing the fashion subcultures of Japan, it’s important to use the correct terminology in order to accurately convey your message. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use the words “gyaru” and “ganguro” in a sentence.
How To Use gyaru In A Sentence
Gyaru refers to a style of fashion and beauty that originated in Japan in the 1990s. It is characterized by brightly colored clothing, heavy makeup, and dyed or bleached hair. Here are some examples of how to use gyaru in a sentence:
- “She’s really into the gyaru fashion scene and always looks so stylish.”
- “I love the way that gyaru makeup looks, but it takes so long to do.”
- “The gyaru subculture has had a major influence on Japanese fashion.”
When using gyaru in a sentence, it’s important to remember that it is a specific style of fashion and beauty, not a general term for all Japanese fashion.
How To Use ganguro In A Sentence
Ganguro is a subculture within the gyaru fashion scene that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by dark tans, bleached hair, and brightly colored clothing. Here are some examples of how to use ganguro in a sentence:
- “I saw a group of ganguro girls on the street and couldn’t believe how dark their tans were.”
- “The ganguro subculture is often criticized for promoting unhealthy beauty standards.”
- “While gyaru fashion has evolved over the years, the ganguro style has largely fallen out of favor.”
When using ganguro in a sentence, it’s important to remember that it is a specific subculture within the gyaru fashion scene, and not a general term for all Japanese fashion or beauty trends.
More Examples Of Gyaru & Ganguro Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between gyaru and ganguro, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Gyaru In A Sentence
- She dressed up as a gyaru for the Halloween party.
- My sister is really into the gyaru fashion trend.
- There are many different styles of gyaru, from sweet to edgy.
- Gyaru culture emphasizes looking glamorous and fashionable at all times.
- Some people criticize gyaru for being too focused on appearance.
- She spends a lot of money on gyaru clothes and accessories.
- Many gyaru girls dye their hair blonde or wear wigs.
- Gyaru makeup is known for its heavy use of eyeliner and false lashes.
- Some gyaru girls wear circle lenses to make their eyes look bigger.
- Gyaru fashion originated in Japan but has spread to other countries as well.
Examples Of Using Ganguro In A Sentence
- She went to a ganguro-themed party and wore a neon wig.
- Ganguro fashion is characterized by dark tans and bright makeup.
- Some people find ganguro fashion to be too extreme.
- She experimented with ganguro makeup but decided it wasn’t for her.
- Ganguro girls often wear platform shoes and brightly colored clothing.
- There are different subcategories of ganguro, such as yamanba and manba.
- Some ganguro girls wear fake nails and body glitter.
- Ganguro fashion was popular in Japan in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- She watched a documentary about ganguro culture and found it fascinating.
- Some ganguro girls wear neon contact lenses to complete their look.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to Japanese fashion subcultures, gyaru and ganguro are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that should be avoided. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make:
Using The Terms Interchangeably
The biggest mistake people make is using the terms gyaru and ganguro interchangeably. While they are related, they are not the same thing. Gyaru is a fashion subculture that originated in the 1990s and is characterized by its glamorous and feminine style. Ganguro, on the other hand, is a subculture that emerged in the late 1990s and is characterized by its dark skin, bleached hair, and heavy makeup.
Assuming All Gyaru Are Ganguro
Another common mistake is assuming that all gyaru are ganguro. While some gyaru do incorporate elements of ganguro into their style, not all of them do. In fact, many gyaru prefer a more natural look and avoid the heavy makeup and tanning associated with ganguro.
Thinking Ganguro Is A Current Trend
Some people mistakenly believe that ganguro is a current trend in Japanese fashion. In reality, ganguro was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s but has since declined in popularity. While there are still some people who identify as ganguro, it is no longer a mainstream trend.
Not Understanding The Cultural Significance
Finally, some people make the mistake of not understanding the cultural significance of these subcultures. Gyaru and ganguro are not just fashion trends; they are part of a larger cultural movement that challenges traditional Japanese beauty standards. Understanding this context is important for appreciating these subcultures and avoiding cultural appropriation.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
If you want to avoid making these common mistakes, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Do your research: Before using terms like gyaru and ganguro, make sure you understand what they mean and their cultural significance.
- Be specific: If you are referring to gyaru or ganguro, use the correct term rather than using them interchangeably.
- Avoid stereotypes: Don’t assume that all gyaru are ganguro or that ganguro is a current trend.
- Respect the culture: If you are interested in these subcultures, take the time to learn about their history and context and avoid appropriating their style.
Context Matters
When it comes to the choice between gyaru and ganguro, context can play a significant role in determining which term is appropriate. Both terms refer to fashion subcultures that originated in Japan, but they have distinct differences that can impact their usage.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between gyaru and ganguro might change:
| Context | Appropriate Term |
|---|---|
| Academic Discussion | Gyaru |
| Media Coverage | Ganguro |
| Social Media Hashtags | Gyaru |
| Casual Conversation | Either Term |
In an academic discussion about Japanese fashion, using the term gyaru would be more appropriate. This is because gyaru is a broader term that encompasses a variety of subcultures, including ganguro. In this context, using the more specific term ganguro might be seen as overly narrow.
On the other hand, in media coverage of the fashion subculture, ganguro might be the more appropriate term. This is because ganguro has a more distinct and recognizable style, with its characteristic dark tans and heavy makeup. In this context, using the broader term gyaru might be seen as less informative.
When using social media hashtags to discuss the fashion subculture, gyaru might be the more appropriate term. This is because gyaru is a more widely recognized term, and using it as a hashtag would increase the visibility of the post. Additionally, using the more specific term ganguro might limit the reach of the post to those who are already familiar with the subculture.
In casual conversation, either term might be appropriate, depending on the context and the familiarity of the participants with the subculture. It is important to consider the audience and the purpose of the conversation when choosing which term to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the terms gyaru and ganguro are often used interchangeably, there are some exceptions where the rules for using these terms might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
Gyaru Without The Look
Not all who identify as gyaru have the stereotypical look associated with the subculture. Some may simply adopt the fashion or lifestyle aspects, without the heavy makeup or tanned skin. In these cases, the term gyaru may be used more loosely to describe someone with a similar fashion sense or lifestyle.
Ganguro-inspired Fashion
While ganguro is a specific subculture, some may draw inspiration from its fashion and incorporate it into their own style. This can include elements such as brightly colored clothing, platform shoes, and bold makeup. In these cases, the term ganguro may not be used to describe the individual, but rather as a reference to the inspiration behind their fashion choices.
Regional Differences
There may also be regional differences in how these terms are used. For example, in some areas of Japan, the term gyaru may be used more broadly to describe any young woman with a trendy fashion sense, while in other areas, it may specifically refer to the subculture. Similarly, ganguro may be more commonly used in some areas than others.
Individual Interpretations
Ultimately, how these terms are used may come down to individual interpretation. Some may use them strictly to refer to the specific subcultures, while others may use them more broadly to describe a certain fashion or lifestyle. It’s important to keep this in mind when discussing these subcultures and to be open to different interpretations and perspectives.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between gyaru and ganguro, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either “gyaru” or “ganguro” to complete the sentence correctly.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| ________ fashion is known for its flashy and colorful clothing. | Gyaru |
| ________ fashion often includes dark tans and heavy makeup. | Ganguro |
| ________ fashion is often associated with the Shibuya district in Tokyo. | Gyaru |
| ________ fashion is often associated with delinquent behavior. | Ganguro |
Exercise 2: True Or False
Determine whether the following statements are true or false.
- Gyaru and ganguro are the same thing. False
- Gyaru fashion is known for its dark tans and heavy makeup. False
- Ganguro fashion is often associated with delinquent behavior. True
- Gyaru fashion is often associated with the Harajuku district in Tokyo. False
Exercise 3: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using either “gyaru” or “ganguro” correctly.
- Example: I saw a group of girls wearing gyaru fashion in Shibuya yesterday.
- I was surprised to see someone wearing ganguro fashion in the office.
Make sure to check your answers with the answer key below.
Answer Key
| Exercise | Answer |
|---|---|
| Exercise 1 | Gyaru, Ganguro, Gyaru, Ganguro |
| Exercise 2 | False, False, True, False |
| Exercise 3 | Answers may vary. |
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between gyaru and ganguro, it is clear that these two fashion subcultures are distinct in their styles and attitudes. Gyaru fashion is characterized by a glamorous and trendy look, while ganguro fashion takes it to the extreme with a bold and unconventional appearance.
Despite the similarities in their origins and influences, gyaru and ganguro have evolved into separate subcultures with their own unique identities. Gyaru fashion has become more mainstream and accepted in Japanese society, while ganguro fashion has remained on the fringes.
However, both subcultures have faced criticism and discrimination for their unconventional looks and behaviors. It is important to recognize and respect the diversity of individuals and their choices in self-expression.
Key Takeaways
- Gyaru and ganguro are two distinct fashion subcultures that originated in Japan.
- Gyaru fashion is characterized by a glamorous and trendy look, while ganguro fashion takes it to the extreme with a bold and unconventional appearance.
- Both subcultures have faced criticism and discrimination for their unconventional looks and behaviors.
- It is important to recognize and respect the diversity of individuals and their choices in self-expression.
Continuing Learning
If you are interested in learning more about fashion subcultures and their impact on society, there are many resources available online and in print. Some recommended sources include:
| Website | Description |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Fashion | A comprehensive guide to Japanese fashion and street style. |
| Vogue | A leading fashion magazine with coverage of global trends and styles. |
| Japanese Street Style | A book by fashion photographer and writer Yoko Yagi that explores the history and evolution of Japanese street fashion. |
By continuing to learn about different cultures and subcultures, we can broaden our understanding and appreciation of diversity in all its forms.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.