肌

• Reading: はだ
• Romaji: hada
• Kanji breakdown: 肌 (ki/hada) — skin, texture
• Pronunciation: /ha.da/

Meaning

Skin; the outer covering of the human body; also texture or temperament.

A noun referring to human skin, with extended meanings of texture, feel, and personal temperament. Common compounds: 肌色 (hadairo, skin colour), 肌触り (hadazawari, texture/feel to the touch), 敏感肌 (binkan-hada, sensitive skin). Figurative usage: 肌が合う (hada ga au, to be compatible personality-wise), 肌で感じる (hada de kanjiru, to feel something viscerally). Skincare (スキンケア) is a major cultural focus in Japan.

Examples

1. 冬は肌が乾燥しやすい。 In winter, skin tends to get dry easily.
2. この布は肌触りがとても柔らかい。 This fabric feels very soft to the touch.
3. 彼とは肌が合わないと感じた。 I felt that he and I just didn't click.

Usage Guide

Context: beauty, health, personal compatibility

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 肌 combines 月 (flesh/body radical) and 几 (small table), suggesting the surface layer of the body. Originally referred specifically to human skin.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal