ひび

also: あかぎれ

ひ

び

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

chaps; cracks; fissures

usually written using kana alone

Refers to small cracks or fissures in the skin, often caused by dryness or cold. Commonly used for chapped hands, lips, or heels.

冬ふゆになると、手てにひびができて痛いたい。
In winter, I get chaps on my hands and they hurt.
かかとのひびがひどくなってきた。
The cracks in my heels have gotten worse.

See all 56 example sentences ›

Kanji

皹skin cracks or roughness
皸skin cracks or roughness

Don't confuse with

ひびN1
皹 refers specifically to painful cracks in skin caused by cold or dryness, while ひび is the general word that can describe cracks in any surface, including skin.

Written forms

ひびUsage85%
Usually written in kana. The kanji forms 皹 and 皸 are rare and not commonly used.
あかぎれUsage7%
Alternate reading for the same meaning, also usually written in kana.
アカギレUsage4%
皸Usage2%
- ひび
  Rare kanji form for ひび (chaps/cracks).
- あかぎれ
皹Usage2%
- ひび
  Rare kanji form for ひび (chaps/cracks).
- あかぎれ

Etymology

The origin is uncertain. The word is native Japanese, and the kanji forms 皹 and 皸 are rare and likely chosen for their meaning rather than reflecting historical usage.