Meaning and Usage
The word 肌 (はだ) primarily means "skin" and is used to refer to the outer layer of the human body. It is a common noun in everyday conversation, especially when talking about health, beauty, or sensations related to the skin.
Common Contexts
肌 is often used when discussing skin condition (e.g., smooth, rough, beautiful), sensations on the skin (e.g., cold, warm), and products related to skin care such as creams or lotions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 肌がきれい (はだがきれい): "skin is beautiful" – used to compliment someone's skin.
- 肌寒い (はだざむい): "chilly on the skin" – an expression describing a slight cold feeling.
- 肌に合う (はだにあう): "suits the skin" – used when a product or fabric is good for one's skin.
Register and Nuance
肌 is a neutral word suitable for both casual and formal contexts. It is often used in health, beauty, and medical discussions. When talking about skin in a more scientific or medical context, other terms like 皮膚 (ひふ) might be used.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 肌 (はだ) with 皮膚 (ひふ). 肌 is more general and often used in everyday speech, while 皮膚 is more technical or medical. Use 肌 when talking about skin in daily life or beauty contexts.