Translation guide
The English word 'fur' refers to the soft hair covering animals, or the processed skin with hair used for clothing. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean the animal's coat, the material, or body hair.
The soft hair covering an animal's body, or the skin with the hair still attached.
The most common word for animal fur as a material or pelt. Used for coats, rugs, and the animal's own fur.
そのコートは毛皮でできている。
That coat is made of fur.
キツネの毛皮は柔らかい。
Fox fur is soft.
General word for hair or fur. Can refer to animal fur, but is broader and can also mean human hair. Often used in compounds.
猫の毛がソファについた。
Cat fur got on the sofa.
Specifically refers to body hair of animals (or humans). More technical/biological.
ホッキョクグマの体毛は実は透明だ。
Polar bear fur is actually transparent.
Processed animal fur used for garments, accessories, or decoration.
Same word as above, but used specifically for fur clothing. Can also be used in compounds like 毛皮のコート (fur coat).
彼女は毛皮のコートを着ていた。
She was wearing a fur coat.
Loanword from English, often used in fashion contexts for faux fur or as a stylish term. Common in compound words like ファーベスト (fur vest).
このファーのバッグはかわいい。
This fur bag is cute.
Artificial fur made from synthetic materials.
Standard term for fake fur. Often used in fashion and retail.
このジャケットはフェイクファーを使っています。
This jacket uses faux fur.
More formal or technical term for artificial fur.
人工毛皮は動物に優しい選択だ。
Faux fur is an animal-friendly choice.
Loose fur that comes off an animal, especially pets.
Specifically refers to shed hair or fur. Commonly used for pet hair around the house.
犬の抜け毛がすごい。
The dog's shedding fur is terrible.
General word for hair/fur, also used for shed fur in casual contexts.
服に猫の毛がついてるよ。
There's cat fur on your clothes.
毛皮 (kegawa) is the standard word for animal fur as a material or pelt. 毛 (ke) is a broader term for hair/fur and is used in many compounds. ファー (fā) is a loanword often used in fashion, especially for faux fur or stylish items. Use 毛皮 for most situations involving real animal fur, and ファー for trendy or synthetic fur items.
毛皮 (kegawa) is only for animal fur. For human hair, use 髪 (かみ) for head hair, or 体毛 (たいもう) for body hair. Using 毛皮 for humans would sound like you're comparing them to an animal.