地肌
Meanings
Refers to the surface quality or feel of materials like cloth, paper, wood, or leather.
This paper has a very smooth texture.
I like furniture that makes the most of the wood grain.
bare skin; natural skin; scalp
Used for skin without makeup, covering, or hair; also specifically the scalp when discussing hair or skin condition.
Her bare skin without makeup was surprisingly beautiful.
My scalp is dry and itchy.
bare ground; surface of the earth
Describes ground with no covering such as grass, snow, or pavement; often used in contexts like gardening or landscaping.
The snow melted and the bare ground became visible.
surface of a sword blade
Technical term for the visible surface of a Japanese sword blade, often discussed in relation to forging patterns or polish.
A beautiful forging pattern appears on the surface of the sword blade.
Usage patterns
- 地肌が見えるfor bare scalp/skin to show through (e.g. thinning hair)
My hair has thinned so much that my scalp is showing through.
- 地肌が出るfor bare ground to be exposed (e.g. after snow melts)
The snow melted and the bare ground was exposed.
- 地肌に優しいgentle on the scalp/skin (of a cosmetic or hair product)
This shampoo is made with ingredients that are gentle on the scalp.
- 地肌が荒れるfor the scalp/skin to become irritated or rough
The strong perm solution irritated my scalp.