Translation guide
The English word "thick-skinned" can refer to literal physical thickness or, more commonly, to emotional resilience and insensitivity to criticism. This guide focuses on the metaphorical sense, which is the most useful for learners.
Describing a person who can handle negative feedback, teasing, or harsh words without getting hurt or angry.
You need to be thick-skinned to work in customer service. · He's thick-skinned; insults just bounce off him.
Describes someone who is bold, shameless, and thick-skinned in a negative or admiring way. Often implies a lack of sensitivity to others' opinions.
He's thick-skinned, so he doesn't mind a little criticism.
Literally 'nerves are thick,' meaning someone is insensitive or thick-skinned. Often used in a slightly negative sense.
You must be thick-skinned to be okay after being told something like that.
Means 'insensitive' or 'thick-skinned' in the sense of not noticing subtle emotional cues or criticism. Can be used for both positive resilience and negative obliviousness.
She's thick-skinned, so she doesn't get hurt by insults.
Literally 'the skin of one's face is thick,' meaning shameless or brazen. Stronger and more negative than 'thick-skinned,' often implying impudence.
Describing skin that is literally thick, like on an animal or a calloused area.
図太い (ずぶとい) implies boldness and a lack of shame, often with a nuance of being brazen or cheeky. 鈍感 (どんかん) means insensitive or oblivious, focusing on a lack of perception rather than boldness. Use 図太い when someone actively ignores criticism; use 鈍感 when they simply don't notice it.
Do not use 皮膚が厚い (ひふがあつい) to mean emotionally thick-skinned. It sounds unnatural and will be interpreted literally.
That politician is so thick-skinned he won't apologize even after a scandal.