Translation guide
The English word 'peeling' can refer to the action of removing the outer layer of something (like fruit or paint) or the state of that layer coming off. In Japanese, different verbs and expressions are used depending on what is being peeled and whether it's intentional or natural.
To remove the skin or outer layer of fruits or vegetables, typically with a peeler or knife.
The most common and general way to say 'peel' for fruits and vegetables. Literally 'remove the skin'.
Please peel the apple.
Peeling potatoes is a hassle.
A shorter verb meaning 'to peel' or 'to skin'. Often used when the object is clear from context.
I peeled and ate a mandarin orange.
Implies peeling off in a more forceful or complete manner, sometimes used for thicker skins or when removing the skin entirely.
Peel a banana.
Describing when a layer comes off by itself, often due to age, damage, or sunburn.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to peel off', 'to come off'. Used for paint, stickers, skin, etc. when it separates naturally.
The paint on the wall is peeling.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to peel' or 'to come off', often used for skin after sunburn or for thin layers.
Transitive verb meaning 'to peel off' or 'to remove' something stuck on. Used when you intentionally peel off a sticker, label, or old paint.
Referring to the act or condition of peeling, often in skincare or maintenance contexts.
Use むく (muku) for peeling fruits and vegetables where the skin is removed in pieces or strips. Use はがす (hagasu) for peeling off something that is stuck on, like a sticker or paint. Use はがれる (hagareru) when something peels off by itself.
The skin on my back peeled from sunburn.
My skin peeled from sunburn.
Peel off the sticker.
皮むき器を使うと早い。
It's faster if you use a peeler.