肌
hada[ha̠da̠]
In Japanese, skin is said as 肌 (hada). If unsure, use 肌. Wiktionary also lists 皮膚 (hifu).
Meaning: outer protective layer of the body of a person or animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 肌 | hada | [ha̠da̠] (narrow) |
| 皮膚 | hifu | [çiɸɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term 肌 is the standard word used when discussing skincare, complexion or how one's skin feels to the touch.
Which one should you use?
Use 肌 when discussing the texture, appearance or condition of the skin, such as in beauty or skincare contexts. In contrast, use 皮膚 when referring to skin in a medical, biological or scientific context.
How do you pronounce it?
hada
Did you know?
- The word 肌 can be used metaphorically in Japanese to describe someone's temperament or the 'texture' of their personality.
- The Japanese word 肌 can be used to describe the 'grain' or 'surface' of non-living things, such as the texture of a polished piece of wood or a stone.
- The word 肌 is used to describe the 'skin' or 'feel' of a fabric. When a person says a piece of clothing has a 'good 肌', they are referring to its texture against the body.
Examples in context
- 肌がつるつるだね。The skin is smooth, isn't it?This sentence uses 肌 to comment on skin being smooth.Tatoeba #10932445 by small_snow, translation #13061454 by terrywallwork
- 肌が乾燥しています。I have dry skin.This sentence uses 肌 to describe skin that is dry.Tatoeba #121344 by bunbuku, translation #282662 by CK
- 彼女の肌は滑らかです。Her skin is smooth.This sentence uses 肌 to describe someone's skin as smooth.Tatoeba #94083 by huizi99, translation #309622 by CK
- 皮膚科医に相談した方がいいです。It is better to consult a dermatologist.
- このクリームはお肌に良い成分が含まれています。This cream contains good ingredients for your skin.
- 最近、肌の調子が悪いんだよね。Lately, my skin hasn't been in good condition.
- あの人の肌はいつもキレイだよ。That person always has beautiful skin.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are talking about skincare products.
- 陽太 Yota最近、肌の調子はどう？Saikin, hada no choushi wa dou?How has your skin been lately?
- 陽葵 Himariあまり良くないから、新しい化粧品を試したいな。Amari yokunai kara, atarashii keshouhin o tameshitai na.It's not great, so I want to try some new cosmetics.
- 陽太 Yota肌に合うものが見つかるといいね。Hada ni au mono ga mitsukaru to ii ne.I hope you find something that suits your skin.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、陽太。Arigatou, Youta.Thanks, Yota.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skin” translations and entries 肌, 皮膚, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
