Translation and Meaning of: 皮 - kawa

The Japanese word 皮[かわ] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its primary meaning is "skin" or "husk," but it appears in various contexts, from physical descriptions to idiomatic expressions. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday uses of this word, along with tips for memorizing it easily. If you want to understand how the Japanese use 皮 in their daily lives, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 皮[かわ]

The term 皮[かわ] primarily refers to the skin of living beings, such as humans and animals, but it can also mean the peel of fruits or the outer covering of objects. For example, りんごの皮 (ringo no kawa) means "apple peel." This versatility makes the word quite common in everyday conversations and even in cooking recipes.

In addition to its literal meaning, 皮 also appears in expressions like 皮肉[ひにく] (irony), demonstrating how the Japanese language associates abstract concepts with concrete elements. If you have watched any anime or Japanese dramas, you have probably heard this word in various contexts, from character descriptions to dialogues about food.

Origin and writing of the kanji 皮

The kanji 皮 has an interesting history. It is composed of the radical 皮 (which represents skin) and has been used for centuries in Japanese writing. According to the Kangorin dictionary, this character originally represented the idea of "removing the skin of an animal," which explains its association with the concept of an external covering.

An interesting fact is that, although 皮 is often read as かわ, it can also have other readings, such as ひ in words like 皮革[ひかく] (leather). This type of variation is common in Japanese and emphasizes the importance of studying kanji in context, not just in isolation.

Tips for memorizing 皮[かわ]

If you have difficulty remembering this word, an effective strategy is to associate it with everyday situations. Imagine peeling a fruit while repeating 皮[かわ] aloud. Another tip is to create flashcards with images of skin or peel to reinforce the visual connection. Many students also find it helpful to learn related words, such as 皮膚[ひふ] (human skin) and 毛皮[けがわ] (fur).

Additionally, watching videos or Japanese cooking shows can help, as the word frequently appears in recipes that involve peeling vegetables or cutting meats. The more you expose your brain to the term in real contexts, the more natural the memorization process becomes.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 革 (kawa) - Leather (material produced from animal skin)
• 皮膚 (hifu) - Skin (outer covering of the human body)
• 皮質 (hishitsu) - Dermal layer (part of the skin, referring to the internal structure)
• 皮革 (hikaku) - Leather (generally refers to finished leather, used in products such as bags and clothing)

皮

Romaji: kawa
Kana: かわ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: skin; it hides; leather; for the; pelt; bark; bark

Meaning in English: skin;hide;leather;fur;pelt;bark;shell

Definition: The epidermis of the body of animals and plants.

Example Sentences - (皮) kawa

See below some example sentences:

毛皮は動物の皮で作られたものです。

Mouhi wa doubutsu no kawa de tsukurareta mono desu

The fur is made from animal skin.

• 毛皮 - a word that means "animal skin with hair".
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "毛皮".
• 動物 - a word that means "animal".
• の - possession particle indicating that the skin is "the animal's".
• 皮 - a word that means "skin".
• で - particle that indicates the means by which something is made, in this case, "made of".
• 作られた - verb "作る" in the past tense, which means "done".
• もの - a word that means "thing".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

皮を剥くと中身が出てくる。

Kawa wo muku to nakami ga dete kuru

When the skin peels off

When the skin is peeled, the contents come out.

• 皮 - means "shell" or "skin".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 剥く - verb meaning "to peel" or "to shell".
• と - particle that indicates the connection between two things.
• 中身 - It means "content" or "interior."
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 出てくる - verb that means "to come out" or "to appear."