膚

skin

Kanji 1757

“A chameleon can change its skin color and blend in with surrounding trees.” “Ayako’s skin is sensitive to chemicals.” “My son’s skin breaks out easily.” “This cloth has a nice texture.” Discover how to say all these things while discovering the etymology of 膚, which seems to contain “tiger” and "stomach.” Find out about an idiom involving “unwounded skin,” and see how people refer to “autumn chill” even in spring.

Revision history:

Feb. 17, 2022: 

• pp. 1 and 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and then revised the etymological discussion on p. 1.
• p. 15: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Feb. 1, 2019: Originally published.