Translation guide
The English term 'flesh colour' typically refers to a pale pinkish-beige skin tone, but this concept is culturally specific and can be problematic. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various terms describe skin-like colors, often with different nuances. This guide helps learners express the idea naturally depending on context.
Describing a color similar to light Caucasian skin, often used in art supplies, clothing, or cosmetics.
Literally 'skin color', this is the most common term for a pale pinkish-beige. However, be aware that it traditionally implies a light skin tone and can be considered ethnocentric. In modern contexts, some companies avoid it in favor of more inclusive terms.
While widely understood, using 肌色 to refer to a default skin color may be seen as insensitive. In formal or inclusive contexts, consider alternatives like 薄橙色 (うすだいだいいろ) or descriptive phrases.
このクレヨンは肌色です。
This crayon is flesh-coloured.
肌色のストッキングを履く。
I wear flesh-coloured stockings.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'light orange-ish pink'. This avoids the cultural baggage of 肌色 and is more precise.
壁を薄いオレンジがかったピンクに塗った。
I painted the wall a light orange-ish pink.
A traditional Japanese color name meaning 'light orange'. It approximates a pale flesh tone but is less common in everyday speech.
薄橙色の着物が美しい。
The light orange kimono is beautiful.
Referring to the color of a person's skin in a general, non-specific way, often in discussions about diversity or representation.
Instead of a single word, describe the skin tone explicitly, e.g., 明るい肌色 (light skin color), 褐色の肌 (brown skin), 色白 (fair-skinned). This is more accurate and respectful.
人形には様々な肌の色がある。
The dolls have various skin colours.
このファンデーションは明るい肌色に合う。
This foundation matches light skin tones.
Loanword from English 'skin color'. Used in fashion and cosmetics, but can carry the same ethnocentric assumptions as 'flesh colour'. Often refers to a beige tone.
May still imply a light skin tone unless context specifies otherwise.
スキンカラーの下着を探しています。
I'm looking for skin-coloured underwear.
Mixing a color to represent human skin in painting or drawing.
Literally 'to make skin color'. This is the standard way to talk about mixing flesh tones in art.
絵の具で肌色を作るには、赤と白と少しの黄色を混ぜます。
To make flesh colour with paint, mix red, white, and a little yellow.
An alternative reading/kanji for 'flesh colour', literally 'meat color'. Rarely used and may sound old-fashioned or technical.
肉色の絵の具はもう売っていない。
Flesh-coloured paint is no longer sold.
The concept of a single 'flesh colour' is outdated and ethnocentric. In Japanese, 肌色 (はだいろ) is still commonly used but increasingly criticized. In formal, educational, or inclusive contexts, opt for descriptive terms like 薄いオレンジがかったピンク or specify the skin tone (e.g., 明るい肌色, 褐色の肌). Many Japanese crayon and paint manufacturers have renamed their 'flesh colour' products to avoid implying a default skin tone.