Pronunciation: [hakˈɑːmə] (IPA) 
The word "hakama" is a traditional Japanese garment worn by men and women alike. It is often described as a wide-legged skirt or pants, and is typically made of a stiff, heavy fabric. The spelling of "hakama" is phonetically represented as [hɑːkɑːmə] in IPA transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound, followed by a hard "k" sound. The second syllable features a short "a" sound and a soft "m" sound.
Hakama is a traditional Japanese garment that can be best described as wide-legged pants or divided skirts. It is commonly worn by both men and women in various traditional settings and cultural activities. Hakama is typically made of fine, smooth fabric and is distinguished by its unique pleated design. These pleats are placed at the back and continue to the waist, providing a flowing appearance when worn.
Traditionally, hakama was an essential part of the attire for samurais, who would wear it over their kimono as a symbol of social status and dignity. Nowadays, hakama is still worn on specific occasions such as formal ceremonies, graduations, martial arts practices, and other cultural activities where traditional dress is required.
The most common version of hakama is the five-pleated variety, known as "koho hakama." These have two sets of ties - one at the front and one at the back, to secure the garment firmly around the waist. There are other variations too, including "umemayose" for women and "andon-bakama" for workwear.
Originally influenced by Chinese fashion, hakama have evolved into a distinct Japanese clothing style and are deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. Their loose fit allows for easier movements, making hakama a popular choice for martial arts such as kendo, aikido, and kyudo.
In summary, hakama is a traditional Japanese garment with wide-legged pants or divided skirts, often worn for cultural ceremonies and martial arts practices.
The word "hakama" is derived from the Japanese language. It consists of two kanji characters: "haka" (袴) and "ma" (間).
The character "haka" originally referred to a ceremonial skirt worn by nobility during the Heian period (794-1185) in Japan. Over time, it became associated with other types of skirts or trousers.
The character "ma" denotes a space, interval, or break. In the context of clothing, it signifies the pleats or gaps between fabric panels.
When combined, "hakama" represents a type of traditional Japanese garment characterized by wide, pleated pants or a skirt-like piece wrapped around the waist. Hakama were historically worn by samurai warriors, court officials, and nobility, and are still seen in various traditional practices and martial arts in Japan today.
