1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “肌” (hada) means “skin” in English. It refers to the outer layer of the body that covers and protects internal organs, and it is often associated with texture, appearance, and health.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “肌” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It is composed of the radical “肉” (meaning “meat” or “flesh”) on the left, which indicates that it relates to the body, and the phonetic component “何” (pronounced “ka” or “nani”) on the right, which contributes to its pronunciation.
The radical “肉” is commonly found in kanji related to the body or flesh, emphasizing the connection of “肌” to physicality.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “肌” are:
- 肌色 (はだいろ, hadairo) – skin color
- 肌荒れ (はだあれ, hadaare) – rough skin
- 肌触り (はだざわり, hadazawari) – texture of the skin
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 「彼女の肌はとてもきれいです。」 (Her skin is very beautiful.)
- 「肌荒れが気になるので、保湿クリームを使っています。」 (I’m concerned about my rough skin, so I’m using a moisturizing cream.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 皮 (かわ, kawa) – meaning “skin” or “hide,” but often refers to the outer layer of fruits or animals, emphasizing a different context.
Antonyms include:
- 骨 (ほね, hone) – meaning “bone,” which represents the internal structure of the body, contrasting with the outer layer represented by “肌.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “肌” is deeply connected to Japanese culture, where skin is often associated with beauty and health. In traditional Japanese aesthetics, smooth and clear skin is highly valued.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “肌” include:
- 肌で感じる (はだでかんじる, hada de kanjiru) – meaning “to feel something intuitively,” emphasizing a deep, instinctual understanding.
This reflects the cultural significance of skin as a medium for sensory experience and emotional connection.