Meaning
The kanji 肌 (hada) primarily means "skin," specifically referring to the outer covering of the human (or animal) body. But its usage extends beyond the literal. In nuanced expressions, 肌 can also convey "texture" (e.g., 肌触り for "feel to the touch"), "disposition" (like 肌合う, "to suit someone's temperament"), or even a sensory "climate" (as in 肌寒い, "chilly"). This reflects a deeper, almost tactile understanding of a situation or person. This kanji is essential for discussing physical appearance, bodily sensations, and even deeply felt abstract feelings.
Delving into its etymology, 肌 is a semantic-phonetic compound, though its components have evolved over time. It consists of two main parts: the radical 月 (つきへん - tsukihen) on the left, and 兆 (きざし - kizashi) on the right. In this context, 月 is a variant of 肉 (にく - niku), meaning "flesh" or "body." This clearly links the kanji's meaning to the human body. The right component, 兆, primarily serves as a phonetic element, lending the sound 'ki' (faintly related to its historical Chinese pronunciation). Interestingly, some interpretations also suggest 兆 might subtly imply something emerging or a sign. This could relate to the surface quality or texture of the skin, or even a feeling that "emerges" on the skin. Together, the components visually suggest "the flesh's surface" or "the body's covering."
Its visual shape, with the "flesh" radical on the left, directly links 肌 to human anatomy, making its primary meaning of "skin" clear. The right part, while phonetic, has strokes that subtly suggest something exposed or perceived on the surface. 肌 is a Joyo Kanji with 6 strokes, meaning it's one of the 2,136 characters designated for common use. Although not assigned to a specific elementary school grade, its frequent appearance makes it an intermediate-level character for Japanese learners, corresponding to JLPT N2.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The kanji 肌 (hada) is almost exclusively used with its native Japanese Kun'yomi. Its On'yomi, derived from ancient Chinese pronunciations, is extremely rare in modern Japanese, especially in everyday vocabulary. For practical use, focusing on the Kun'yomi is essential.
- キ (ki)
This On'yomi reading is virtually obsolete in everyday Japanese, appearing only in a handful of highly specialized or archaic terms. In contemporary Japanese, you will almost never encounter 肌 used with the On'yomi reading 'キ' in isolation or as part of common compound words. Learners should prioritize mastering the Kun'yomi for practical communication.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi of 肌 are highly prevalent and essential for understanding this kanji. These readings connect directly to indigenous Japanese words and are used across a wide range of contexts, encompassing both literal and figurative meanings of "skin" and related sensations.
- はだ (hada)
This is the most common and fundamental reading of 肌. It refers to "skin" in a general sense, covering everything from the skin on one's body to the surface texture of something. It is widely used in both literal and figurative contexts, forming the base for many compound words related to personal health, beauty, and even sensory perceptions.
- 肌 (hada) — skin; bare skin; texture.
Example: 彼女の肌は滑らかだ。(Kanojo no hada wa nameraka da.) - Her skin is smooth.
- 素肌 (suhada) — bare skin; natural skin (without makeup or clothing).
Example: 素肌に直接シャツを着る。(Suhada ni chokusetsu shatsu o kiru.) - To wear a shirt directly on one's bare skin.
- 肌色 (hadairo) — skin color; flesh tone.
Example: 肌色のクレヨン。(Hadairo no kureyon.) - A flesh-colored crayon.
- はだ－ (hada-)
This reading frequently appears as the first part of compound words, acting almost like a prefix to indicate a direct connection to the skin or a sensation felt physically on the skin. These compounds are often descriptive adjectives or nouns related to bodily feelings and conditions.
- 肌寒い (hadasamui) — chilly; feeling cold on the skin.
Example: 今朝は肌寒い。(Kesa wa hadasamui.) - It's chilly this morning.
- 肌荒 (hadaare) — rough skin; skin irritation.
Example: 冬は肌荒れしやすい。(Fuyu wa hadaare shiyasui.) - Skin tends to get rough in winter.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 肌 forms many practical and expressive compound words in Japanese, predominantly using its Kun'yomi reading はだ (hada). These compounds often relate to aspects of the skin, bodily sensations, or a sense of proximity, highlighting the kanji's versatile applications in everyday language.
General Skin & Body Terms
- 肌 (hada) — skin; bare skin.
Example: 赤ちゃんの肌はとても柔らかい。(Akachan no hada wa totemo yawarakai.) - A baby's skin is very soft.
- 素肌 (suhada) — bare skin; natural skin (without makeup).
Example: 彼女は素肌にセーターを着ていた。(Kanojo wa suhada ni seetā o kiteita.) - She was wearing a sweater directly on her bare skin.
- 肌着 (hadagi) — underwear; undershirt.
Example: 冬は暖かい肌着を着る。(Fuyu wa atatakai hadagi o kiru.) - I wear warm underwear in winter.
- 肌身 (hadami) — one's person; one's body (often in idiomatic expressions).
Example: 大切な指輪を肌身離さず持っている。(Taisetsu na yubiwa o hadami hanasazu motteiru.) - I always keep my precious ring close to me.
Skin Condition & Types
- 美肌 (bihada) — beautiful skin.
Example: 彼女は美肌の持ち主だ。(Kanojo wa bihada no mochinushi da.) - She has beautiful skin.
- 肌荒れ (hadaare) — rough skin; skin irritation.
Example: 冬になると肌荒れがひどくなる。(Fuyu ni naru to hadaare ga hidoku naru.) - My skin irritation gets worse in winter.
- 乾燥肌 (kansouhada) — dry skin.
Example: 私は乾燥肌なので、保湿が欠かせません。(Watashi wa kansouhada nano de, hoshitsu ga kakasemasen.) - Since I have dry skin, moisturizing is essential.
- 敏感肌 (binkanhada) — sensitive skin.
Example: 敏感肌用の化粧品を使っています。(Binkanhada-yō no keshouhin o tsukatteimasu.) - I use cosmetics for sensitive skin.
Sensations & Intuition
- 肌寒い (hadasamui) — chilly; feeling cold on the skin.
Example: 今朝は少し肌寒い。(Kesa wa sukoshi hadasamui.) - It's a bit chilly this morning.
- 肌感覚 (hadakankaku) — gut feeling; intuitive sense; practical sense (literally, "skin sensation").
Example: 彼の肌感覚はいつも正しい。(Kare no hadakankaku wa itsumo tadashii.) - His gut feeling is always right.
Example Sentences
赤ちゃんの肌はとても柔らかい。
Akachan no hada wa totemo yawarakai.
A baby's skin is very soft.
乾燥する季節は肌の保湿が大切です。
Kansou suru kisetsu wa hada no hoshitsu ga taisetsu desu.
Moisturizing your skin is important during the dry season.
今日は風が強くて肌寒い一日だった。
Kyou wa kaze ga tsuyokute hadasamui ichinichi datta.
Today was a chilly day with strong winds.
彼女は素肌に直接ブラウスを着ていた。
Kanojo wa suhada ni chokusetsu burausu o kiteita.
She wore the blouse directly on her bare skin.
私は敏感肌なので、新しい化粧品を試すときは慎重です。
Watashi wa binkanhada nano de, atarashii keshouhin o tamesu toki wa shinchou desu.
Since I have sensitive skin, I am cautious when trying new cosmetics.
その布は触り心地が良く、肌に優しい。
Sono nuno wa sawarigokochi ga yoku, hada ni yasashii.
That fabric feels good to the touch and is gentle on the skin.
肌荒れを防ぐために、バランスの取れた食事が重要だ。
Hadaare o fusegu tame ni, baransu no toreta shokuji ga juuyou da.
A balanced diet is important to prevent rough skin.
彼の話には何か肌感覚で納得できるものがあった。
Kare no hanashi ni wa nanika hadakankaku de nattoku dekiru mono ga atta.
There was something in his story that I could intuitively agree with.
大切な思い出の品を肌身離さず持っている。
Taisetsu na omoide no shina o hadami hanasazu motteiru.
I always keep precious mementos close to me.
Memory Tip
To easily remember 肌 (hada), meaning "skin," let's break down its components and their visual links to the meaning. On the left is the radical 月 (つきへん), representing 肉 (niku), or "flesh" and "body." This firmly roots the kanji in human anatomy. Now, for the right side, 兆 (chou), though primarily phonetic, can be creatively interpreted for a memory aid. Imagine 兆 as a person standing with their arms spread wide, as if exposing their body to the elements. So, you have the "flesh" (月) "exposed" (兆) to the outside world – that's your "skin." Another way to think about it: consider 兆 as a "sign" or "symptom." Then, 肌 becomes the part of the "flesh" (月) where "signs" (兆) like a tan, a rash, or sweat become visible. Both interpretations help solidify the image of the body's outermost layer.