Translation guide
The process of shedding old skin, fur, feathers, or shell to allow for new growth, common in animals and insects.
The biological process where an animal casts off its outer layer.
The standard term for shedding skin or exoskeleton, used for insects, reptiles, and crustaceans. Can also be used metaphorically for personal transformation.
セミが脱皮している。
The cicada is moulting.
ヘビの脱皮を見たことがありますか。
Have you ever seen a snake moulting?
The verb form 'to moult' (shed skin).
カニは成長するために脱皮する。
Crabs moult in order to grow.
Specifically refers to shedding a shell, like in crustaceans. Less common than 脱皮.
エビの脱殻は頻繁に起こる。
Shrimp moulting occurs frequently.
The seasonal or periodic loss and replacement of hair or feathers.
Specifically for mammals shedding fur. Often used for pets like dogs and cats.
春になると犬の換毛が始まる。
In spring, dogs start moulting.
Specifically for birds moulting feathers.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'fur/hair falls out and is replaced', used in everyday conversation.
うちの猫は今、毛が抜け替わっている。
Our cat is moulting right now.
Descriptive phrase for birds: 'feathers grow back/renew'.
ニワトリの羽が生え変わる時期です。
It's the time when chickens moult.
Used figuratively for casting off old habits, identities, or stages.
Metaphorical use of 'moulting' for personal growth or transformation.
彼は古い自分から脱皮して、新しい人生を始めた。
He moulted his old self and started a new life.
Literally 'break out of one's shell', similar to 'come out of one's shell' or 'break free from constraints'.
彼女は殻を破って、積極的になった。
She broke out of her shell and became more proactive.
脱皮 is for skin/exoskeleton (insects, reptiles, crustaceans). 換毛 is for fur/hair (mammals). 換羽 is for feathers (birds). Using the wrong term can sound odd, though 脱皮 is sometimes used loosely for any shedding.
In casual conversation about pets, people often say 毛が抜ける (けがぬける, 'fur falls out') or 毛が生え変わる (けがはえかわる, 'fur grows back') instead of the technical 換毛.
The moulting season for birds varies by species.