Translation guide
In Japanese, describing a naked body depends on context: whether you're referring to the physical state of being unclothed, nudity as a concept, or the bare skin itself. The most common and neutral term is 裸 (hadaka), which can mean nakedness or a naked body. For more specific or formal contexts, other words like 裸体 (ratai) or 裸身 (rashin) are used.
To refer to someone's body when they are not wearing any clothes, in a neutral or descriptive way.
The most common and versatile word for 'naked' or 'naked body'. It can be used as a noun or a na-adjective. Often implies the whole body is unclothed.
He went outside naked.
She covered her naked body with a towel.
A more formal or literary term for 'naked body', often used in art, medical, or descriptive contexts. It emphasizes the physical body itself.
The painting depicted a woman's naked body.
A rare, literary term for 'naked body'. It carries a nuance of vulnerability or purity. Not used in everyday conversation.
He exposed his naked body.
To refer to a part of the body that is not covered by clothing, emphasizing the skin being visible.
A common phrase meaning 'exposed skin' or 'showing skin'. It can describe a naked body part without implying full nudity.
She wore a dress that exposed her shoulders.
Refers to bare skin, often with a nuance of naturalness or direct contact. It can mean a naked body part, but not necessarily the whole body.
To talk about the state or concept of being naked, rather than a specific person's body.
Also used for the abstract concept of nudity. Can be combined with other words like 裸の付き合い (hadaka no tsukiai, 'naked friendship', meaning a close, open relationship).
Being naked is natural.
Loanword from English 'nude', often used in art, photography, or fashion contexts. It can refer to a naked body or the state of being nude.
While 裸の体 (hadaka no karada) is grammatically correct, it can sound redundant or overly descriptive in Japanese. Usually, 裸 (hadaka) alone is sufficient to convey the idea of a naked body. Use 裸の体 only when you need to emphasize the physical body itself.
His naked body was seen.
裸 (hadaka) is the everyday word for nakedness or a naked body. 裸体 (ratai) is more formal and often used in written descriptions, art, or medical contexts. 裸身 (rashin) is literary and rare, carrying a nuance of vulnerability. For most situations, 裸 is the best choice.
素肌に直接シャツを着る。
Wear a shirt directly on bare skin.
彼はヌードモデルとして働いている。
He works as a nude model.