The outer covering of a human or animal body; used in everyday contexts about skin condition, touch, and care.
My skin tends to get dry in winter.
A baby's skin is very soft.
Used in expressions about close physical contact, often with romantic or sexual nuance; common in phrases like 肌を許す (to give oneself to someone) or 肌を重ねる (to sleep together).
See also: 肌を許す
She gave herself to him.
Time spent in intimate contact with my partner is precious.
Describes the surface quality or feel of materials, especially wood grain or fabric texture; often used as a suffix in compounds like 木肌 (wood grain) or 布肌 (fabric texture).
This desk has a beautiful wood grain.
The texture of silk is very smooth.
disposition; temperament; type
Refers to a person's inherent nature or compatibility with others; most common in the phrase 肌が合う (to get along well, to be compatible).
See also: 肌が合う
I just don't get along with him.
I think I'll get along well with the new boss.
My skin dries out when winter comes.
This wood has a smooth grain and feels nice to the touch.
This soap is gentle on the skin.
In summer, more people wear clothes that show skin.
I take care of my skin every night.
bare skin; naked skin
human skin · body warmth; warmth of the skin
body; one's person
underwear; underclothes; lingerie
feel; texture; touch · manner with people; personal manner; feel of dealing with someone
texture; grain · bare skin; natural skin; scalp · bare ground; surface of the earth · surface of a sword blade
soft fair skin
fair skin; white skin; light complexion · vitiligo; leukoderma
bare rock surface; rock face
mountain surface; bare mountain face
snow's surface; snowscape · fair skin; lily-white skin
soft, smooth skin like mochi
skin color; skin tone
skin as white and smooth as an egg
skin where two lovers first touch
bark (of a tree)
bare shoulder; one shoulder exposed
endocarp
chill; chilliness
texture; feel · skin texture; skin quality; skin type
broodmare
grazed skin; abraded skin · bare mountain surface · nakedness; nudity
Rarely used kanji form; learners should recognize it but use 肌 in production.