Translation guide
The English word 'cuticle' most commonly refers to the thin skin at the base of fingernails and toenails. It can also refer to the outer layer of hair or the protective layer on plants and insects. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these contexts.
The thin layer of skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail.
The most common and natural word for the cuticle around nails. Used in everyday conversation and beauty contexts.
My cuticles are dry.
I push back my cuticles.
Explicitly says 'nail cuticle' for clarity, though 甘皮 alone usually implies nail cuticle.
The cuticles around my nails are peeling.
Anatomical/medical term for the eponychium (cuticle). Rarely used outside professional contexts.
Be careful not to damage the cuticle.
The protective outer layer of a hair strand.
The waxy or hard protective layer on plants or insects.
甘皮 only refers to the skin around nails. Using it for hair or plant cuticles will cause confusion.
In nail salons or beauty articles, 甘皮 is the standard term. キューティクル is standard for hair care.
This shampoo protects the hair cuticle.
Observe the structure of the hair cuticle under a microscope.