Translation guide
Describes someone with light or pale skin. In Japanese, this is often expressed with specific terms that can carry cultural nuances, so it's important to choose the right word based on context and connotation.
To describe someone's skin tone as light or pale in a neutral, factual way.
The most common and neutral term for having fair or light skin. It is often used as a compliment in Japanese culture, implying beauty or delicacy.
彼女は色白で、とてもきれいだ。
She is fair-skinned and very beautiful.
色白の人は日焼けに気をつけたほうがいい。
Fair-skinned people should be careful about sunburn.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'skin is white/fair'. It is descriptive and can be used in everyday conversation.
彼は肌が白いね。
He has fair skin, doesn't he?
Attributive form meaning 'fair-complexioned'. Often used before a noun.
色の白い女性が立っていた。
A fair-skinned woman was standing there.
To compliment someone on having beautiful pale skin, often associated with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
As above, but in a complimentary context. It is the go-to word for praising fair skin.
色白でうらやましい。
I'm envious of your fair skin.
A poetic phrase meaning 'translucently white skin', often used in literature or advertising to emphasize pure, beautiful paleness.
彼女の透き通るような白い肌に魅了された。
I was captivated by her translucent fair skin.
To describe skin tone in a neutral, objective way, such as in medical or cosmetic contexts.
Literally 'skin color is light'. Used when discussing skin tone in a factual manner, e.g., for makeup or dermatology.
肌の色が薄いので、ファンデーションは一番明るい色を使っています。
Because I have fair skin, I use the lightest shade of foundation.
Also used in objective contexts, though it can carry a slightly positive nuance.
色白の肌は紫外線に弱い。
Fair skin is vulnerable to UV rays.
To refer to a person with fair skin as a noun.
Simply 'a fair-skinned person'. The most natural way to nominalize.
色白の人はシミができやすい。
Fair-skinned people tend to get freckles easily.
The English word 'fair' can be translated as 公平 (fair/just) or 金髪の (blond), but these are not used for skin tone. Stick to the expressions above.
彼は公平な肌をしている。
He has fair skin. (incorrect)
色白 is a noun or na-adjective, while 色が白い is a phrase with the adjective 白い. Both are common, but 色白 is more concise and idiomatic.