Translation guide
The state of being without clothes. In Japanese, the most common word is 裸 (hadaka), but there are several nuanced terms depending on context, formality, and degree of exposure.
Describing the state of being completely unclothed, in everyday or neutral contexts.
The most common and general word for nakedness. Can be used for people or metaphorically (e.g., bare truth).
Emphasizes complete nudity. Often used in formal or descriptive contexts.
全裸で写真を撮るのは違法です。
Taking photos while completely naked is illegal.
A childish or playful word for being stark naked. Often used with children.
子供がすっぽんぽんで庭を走り回っている。
The kids are running around the garden stark naked.
Describing being partly undressed or having certain body parts exposed.
Half-naked, usually meaning from the waist up or down. Common in casual contexts.
夏は半裸で寝る。
In summer I sleep half-naked.
Naked from the waist up. Often used for men.
彼は上半身裸で庭仕事をしていた。
He was doing yard work shirtless.
Naked from the waist down.
事故で下半身裸のまま病院に運ばれた。
He was taken to the hospital with his lower body exposed after the accident.
Metaphorical use: exposed, defenseless, or without covering.
Used metaphorically to mean 'bare' or 'exposed', as in 'bare facts' or 'naked truth'.
裸の真実
the naked truth
裸一貫から成り上がる
to rise from nothing (lit. 'from naked single-mindedness')
Completely exposed, often in a metaphorical sense of having no secrets or possessions left.
Referring to nudity as a subject in art, photography, or formal discussion.
Loanword from English, used for artistic or photographic nudity. Not used for everyday nakedness.
美術館でヌードの絵を見た。
I saw a painting of a nude at the art museum.
A formal term for the naked body, often used in art or medical contexts.
ヌード is specifically for artistic or photographic nudity. Using it to say 'I was naked' sounds unnatural. Use 裸 (はだか) instead.
お風呂に入るときは裸になります。
I get naked when I take a bath.
裸 is the general term. 全裸 emphasizes complete nudity. 半裸 means half-naked (usually upper body). Choose based on how much clothing is removed.
敵に情報を丸裸にされた。
All our information was laid bare to the enemy.
The sculpture depicts a beautiful nude body.