Translation guide
The outer layer of skin. In everyday English, 'epidermis' is a technical term; learners usually need the common Japanese word for skin or outer skin layer.
Referring to the outermost layer of the skin, in both everyday and biological contexts.
The standard anatomical term for epidermis. Used in medical, scientific, and everyday contexts when referring to the outer skin layer.
表皮は体を保護する役割がある。
The epidermis has the role of protecting the body.
General word for 'skin'. Often used when 'epidermis' is meant loosely in English. Not anatomically precise, but very common.
乾燥すると皮膚がかゆくなる。
When it's dry, my skin gets itchy.
Literally 'skin's surface'. A natural way to refer to the outer layer without using technical terms.
肌の表面が荒れている。
The surface of my skin is rough.
The outer protective layer of cells in plants.
Same term as for animal/human epidermis. Used in botany for the outermost cell layer of leaves, stems, etc.
葉の表皮には気孔がある。
There are stomata in the leaf epidermis.
表皮 (ひょうひ) is the technical term for epidermis. 皮膚 (ひふ) is the general medical/formal word for skin. 肌 (はだ) is the common, everyday word for skin (often human). Use 表皮 only when you specifically mean the outer layer, especially in scientific contexts.