Translation guide
The English word "skin" refers to the outer covering of a person, animal, or fruit. In Japanese, the most common word is 肌 (はだ) for human skin, but different words are used for animal skin, leather, fruit peel, and related concepts. This guide helps you choose the right word based on what kind of skin you mean.
Referring to the skin of a person, especially in contexts of touch, health, beauty, or sensation.
The standard word for human skin. Used in everyday conversation about skin condition, touch, and beauty.
She has beautiful skin.
乾燥で肌がかゆい。
My skin is itchy from dryness.
More clinical or medical term for skin. Used in healthcare, biology, or formal contexts.
皮膚科に行ってください。
Please go to a dermatologist.
皮膚の再生には時間がかかる。
Skin regeneration takes time.
Referring to the skin of an animal, either on the animal or as a material.
General word for animal skin, hide, or leather. Can also mean peel of fruit. Context distinguishes.
このバッグは牛の皮でできている。
This bag is made of cowhide.
蛇の皮が脱ぎ捨てられていた。
A snake skin had been shed.
Specifically fur or pelt, skin with fur attached.
Specifically leather as a material (tanned animal skin). Often written with this kanji for leather goods.
Referring to the outer layer of a fruit or vegetable.
Used for the skin or peel of fruits and vegetables. Same word as animal skin, but context makes it clear.
りんごの皮をむいてください。
Please peel the apple.
ぶどうの皮は食べられますか？
Can you eat grape skins?
Referring to a thin layer that forms on top of a liquid or soft substance.
Means film or membrane. Used for a thin skin that forms on liquids like milk or paint.
スープに膜が張った。
A skin formed on the soup.
Literal 'surface layer', can be used descriptively.
ペンキの表面に薄い層ができた。
A thin skin formed on the surface of the paint.
Describing the quality, color, or type of someone's skin.
Used in compounds and phrases to describe skin type or complexion.
敏感肌なので、この化粧品は使えません。
I have sensitive skin, so I can't use this cosmetic.
色白の肌に憧れる。
I admire fair skin.
English idioms using 'skin' and their natural Japanese equivalents.
Equivalent to 'to experience something firsthand' or 'to feel in one's own skin'. Literally 'to experience with one's body'.
貧困を身をもって経験した。
I experienced poverty in my own skin.
Means 'thick-skinned' in the sense of being shameless or brazen.
彼は本当に厚かましい。
He really has a thick skin.
To feel something deeply, as if it penetrates the skin. Often used for cold or emotions.
寒さが身に染みる。
The cold pierces my skin.
肌 (はだ) is for human skin in everyday contexts. 皮膚 (ひふ) is the medical/biological term. 皮 (かわ) is for animal skin, leather, or fruit peel. Using 皮 for human skin sounds rough or animalistic, so avoid it unless you're talking about something like 'skin peeling' in a non-medical sense.
Saying 人間の皮 (にんげんのかわ) sounds like 'human hide' and is dehumanizing. Stick to 肌 or 皮膚 for people.
A fur coat is warm.
I bought leather shoes.