Kanji: 皮 (Kawa) - Skin/Hide
The Japanese kanji 皮 (kawa) primarily means "skin," "hide," or "peel." It represents the outer layer of an animal, fruit, or object. Mastering its correct stroke order is essential for proper kanji writing.
Stroke Order & Writing:
Start with the top horizontal stroke, left to right.
The next stroke is a vertical line down.
Follow with the left "hook" and the inner short stroke.
Write the right-side strokes: a slash, then the final "dot" or small stroke.
Common Vocabulary & Usage:
皮膚 (hifu): Skin (medical term). "彼は皮膚が敏感だ。" (Kare wa hifu ga binkinda.) - "He has sensitive skin."
皮革 (hikaku): Leather. "このベルトは良質な皮革でできている。" (Kono beruto wa ryōshitsu na hikaku de dekiteiru.) - "This belt is made of high-quality leather."
皮肉 (hiniku): Irony or sarcasm. "それは皮肉な結果だった。" (Sore wa hiniku na kekka datta.) - "That was an ironic result."
果物の皮 (kudamono no kawa): Fruit peel. "バナナの皮をむく。" (Banana no kawa o muku.) - "To peel a banana."
Understanding "皮" helps you describe everything from your own skin to everyday objects, making it a practical and foundational kanji for learners.