かわ

skin, hide, leather

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The character (pí) primarily refers to the skin or outer covering of animals, humans, or fruits. It can mean 'skin,' 'hide,' 'leather,' or 'peel' depending on context.

Common Collocations

  • 皮肤 (pífū): skin (human or animal)
  • (pí yī): leather clothes
  • 苹果 (píngguǒ pí): apple peel

Usage Notes

When used for animals or humans, usually means the skin layer. For clothing, it often refers to leather made from animal skin. When talking about fruits or vegetables, means the peel or outer layer.

Common Confusions

Don't confuse with (fū), which specifically means skin but is mostly used in medical or biological contexts. is more general and can also mean leather or peel.

Tone and Register

is neutral in tone and commonly used in everyday speech and writing.

Example Sentences

The skin of this dog is very soft.

He likes to wear leather clothes.

You should wash the apple's skin clean before eating.