Translation guide
In Japanese, describing skin color involves different words depending on whether you're talking about complexion, race, or literal color. The most common and neutral term is 肌の色 (hadairo), but context matters greatly.
Referring to someone's natural skin tone or complexion in a neutral way.
The most direct and neutral translation for 'skin color'. It literally means 'color of skin'.
彼女は肌の色が白い。
She has fair skin.
Skin color varies from person to person.
A compound word meaning 'skin color', often used to describe a peach or flesh tone. Can be used for objects like crayons or clothing.
このクレヨンは肌色です。
This crayon is skin-colored.
Refers to the base color of skin, often used in makeup or art contexts. Not common in everyday conversation.
ファンデーションは地色に合うものを選びましょう。
Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone.
Describing whether someone's skin is light or dark, often in terms of complexion.
Common expressions meaning 'fair-skinned' and 'dark-skinned'. Note that 色 (iro) here implies skin color from context.
彼は色が黒いですね。
He has dark skin, doesn't he?
色が白い人は日焼けに注意が必要です。
Fair-skinned people need to be careful about sunburn.
More explicit than 色が白い, directly saying 'skin is white/black'. Still commonly used.
彼女は肌が白くて、髪が長いです。
She has fair skin and long hair.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'fair-skinned'. Often used to describe a person's appearance.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'dark-skinned'. Can be used neutrally, but be aware of context.
Referring to skin color as a marker of race or ethnic background.
Literally 'skin color is different', used to talk about racial differences in a neutral way.
肌の色が違う人々が共に暮らしている。
People of different skin colors live together.
Means 'race' or 'ethnicity'. Often used in formal contexts rather than directly saying 'skin color'.
人種による差別は許されない。
Discrimination based on race is unacceptable.
Means 'Black person'. Use with caution; in Japanese, it is generally neutral but can be sensitive. Often replaced by more descriptive phrases.
While 黒人 is the standard term, some may prefer アフリカ系 (African descent) or other specific terms. Avoid using 黒んぼ which is a slur.
Means 'White person'. Generally neutral, but can be context-dependent.
Describing the actual color of skin, such as in medical symptoms or makeup.
More clinical term for 'skin color', using 皮膚 (skin as an organ).
皮膚の色が黄色くなるのは黄疸の症状です。
Yellowing of the skin is a symptom of jaundice.
Refers to the color of one's complexion, especially as an indicator of health. Often used in phrases like 血色がいい (have a healthy color).
今日は血色がいいですね。
You look healthy today (your complexion is good).
While 肌の色 is neutral, directly asking about someone's skin color can be rude. Use more indirect expressions or context-appropriate terms like 人種 (race) or 出身 (origin).
ご出身はどちらですか？
Where are you from? (indirect way to ask about ethnicity)
肌色 (hadairo) is a compound often used for objects (crayons, paint) and implies a specific peach/flesh tone. 肌の色 (hada no iro) is more general and refers to the color of skin itself. In modern usage, 肌色 is sometimes avoided because it assumes a single skin color.
昔は「肌色」のクレヨンがありましたが、今は「うすだいだい」などと呼ばれます。
There used to be a 'skin-colored' crayon, but now it's called 'light orange' or similar.
色白の女性
a fair-skinned woman
He is dark-skinned and has a sturdy build.
彼は黒人の友達がたくさんいる。
He has many Black friends.
白人の人口が多い国
a country with a large White population