Translation guide
Describes the natural color, texture, and appearance of facial skin. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 肌色 (skin color) or 顔色 (facial color), but the concept often overlaps with overall health and beauty of the skin.
Referring to the natural color or shade of someone's facial skin.
Literally 'skin color'. Used to describe the natural tone of the skin, often in contexts of beauty or health.
She has a fair complexion.
Literally 'face color'. Often used when talking about complexion as an indicator of health or emotion.
You look pale. Are you okay?
Describes a fair or pale complexion, often considered attractive in Japanese culture.
I admire fair skin.
Describes a dark or tanned complexion. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
He has a dark complexion and looks healthy.
Referring to the overall quality, smoothness, or health of facial skin.
General word for 'skin'. When used with adjectives, it describes complexion in terms of texture and condition.
She has beautiful skin.
I'm troubled by bad skin/rough complexion.
Means 'skin condition'. Used when discussing how good or bad one's complexion is at a given time.
My complexion has been good lately.
Refers to 'skin type' (oily, dry, etc.), often used in beauty contexts.
Choose cosmetics that suit your skin type.
Describing a complexion that looks healthy, glowing, or vibrant.
Literally 'blood color is good'. Means having a healthy, rosy complexion.
You have a healthy complexion and look energetic.
Means 'to have luster/glow'. Describes skin that looks moist and radiant.
Her skin has a glow and is beautiful.
Literally 'face color is bright'. Implies a lively, healthy complexion.
Your complexion looks bright today.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'complexion'. Choose the expression based on whether you mean color, condition, or health. Using 肌色 or 顔色 in the wrong context can sound unnatural.
肌色 refers to skin tone in a neutral or aesthetic sense, while 顔色 is often used for temporary changes due to health or emotion. For example, 顔色が悪い means 'look pale/sick', but 肌色が悪い is not commonly used.