Meaning and Usage
"皮膚" (ひふ) specifically refers to the skin as the outer covering of the body. It is a common noun used in both everyday and medical contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "皮膚" used when talking about skin conditions, care, or characteristics, such as dryness, itchiness, or sunburn.
Collocations and Patterns
- 皮膚が乾燥する: skin becomes dry
- 皮膚のかゆみ: skin itchiness
- 皮膚科: dermatology (medical department)
These collocations are useful for discussing health or beauty topics.
Register and Nuance
"皮膚" is a neutral term, appropriate in both formal and informal situations. It is more technical than the casual word "肌" (はだ), which also means skin but is often used in everyday conversation or poetic contexts.
Common Learner Mistake
Confusing "皮膚" with "肌". Use "皮膚" when referring to skin in a medical or scientific sense, and "肌" for general or aesthetic references to skin.