5

Skin


Meaning

Skin, Hide, Peel

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well. 皮 refers to skin as something separate from the body. You can use 皮 for when your skin starts to peel off with sunburn, or for animal skin when it is being stripped off or turned into a hide. You can also use 皮 to describe the outer layer of fruits and vegetables, like apple skins or banana peels.


Reading

かわ

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. You haven't learned this reading yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you: As a human (we think), you have a lot of skin. But sometimes a normal shower isn't enough to wash all that skin. What do you do when you can't fit all your skin in the shower or the tub? You get your skin cleaned at the car wash, of course!


Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 皮ごと

    without removing the skin

    皮つき

    skin-on, with skin

  • 皮がめくれる

    the skin starts to peel

    皮がはがれる

    the skin comes off

    皮がむける

    the skin peels off

  • 皮の下

    under the skin

    皮の色

    skin color

    皮のあつみ

    the thickness of the skin

  • 玉ねぎの皮

    onion peel

    ギョーザの皮

    a gyoza wrapper

    木の皮

    tree bark

  • 皮をむく

    to peel off the skin

    皮をはぐ

    to peel off the skin

    皮をのこす

    to leave the skin

Context Sentences

このカーペットは、牛の皮です。

This carpet is made of cow hide.

ギョーザの皮と牛肉がある。

There are gyoza wrappers and beef.

メロンの皮はピーラーでは中々むけませんね。

Melon rind is not the easiest to peel with a peeler.


Kanji Composition