肌
Meanings
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.
Usage patterns
- 肌が乾燥するfor one's skin to become dry
My skin dries out when winter comes.
- 肌がなめらかだfor a surface/texture to be smooth
This wood has a smooth grain and feels nice to the touch.
- 肌に優しいgentle on the skin
This soap is gentle on the skin.
- 肌を出すto expose (bare) one's skin
In summer, more people wear clothes that show skin.
- 肌の手入れをするto take care of one's skin
I take care of my skin every night.
Expressions· 9
- 玉の肌beautiful skin; skin as beautiful as a gem
- 肌の色skin color; color of one's skin
- 肌が合うget along well; be compatible; hit it off
- 肌で知るknow through direct experience; feel firsthand
- 肌に合うsuit one's skin; agree with one's skin · be compatible; get along well; be to one's liking