Translation guide
The material made from animal hide, used for clothing, accessories, and goods. In Japanese, the word 革 (かわ) covers both 'leather' and 'skin/hide', so context is important. This guide helps you express 'leather' naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the material itself, such as 'leather jacket' or 'made of leather'.
The most common word for leather. Can also mean 'skin' or 'hide', so context clarifies it's processed leather.
This bag is made of leather.
I bought a leather jacket.
Loanword from English, often used in fashion and product names. Sounds modern and stylish.
I want leather gloves.
Formal term for leather, often used in industry or official contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
Exports of leather goods are increasing.
Specifying the kind of leather, such as genuine, synthetic, or from a specific animal.
Talking about products made of leather, like bags, shoes, or accessories.
革 (かわ) usually means processed leather, while 皮 (かわ) means raw skin or hide. However, in many compounds, 革 is used for leather items. Be careful with the kanji: 革靴 (かわぐつ) leather shoes, 皮肉 (ひにく) sarcasm (unrelated).
To describe leather as soft, use 柔らかい革 (やわらかいかわ). For high-quality, say 上質な革 (じょうしつなかわ). Avoid literal translations like 'good leather' (良い革 is okay but vague).
This jacket is made of genuine leather.
I prefer leather shoes.
Synthetic leather, faux leather. Often abbreviated as 合皮 (ごうひ) in casual contexts.
Faux leather bags are cheap.
牛革の財布は長持ちします。
Cowhide wallets last a long time.