How to say "fur" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

毛皮けがわJLPT N2approx.Common
nounThe default word for fur as a material or garment — the pelt of an animal with the hair on. Typical in contexts like fur coats or the fur trade.
開拓者かいたくしゃ達たちは現地げんち人にんたちから毛皮けがわを物々交換ぶつぶつこうかんで手てに入いれた。↗
The colonists bartered with the natives for fur.
皮かわJLPT N3approx.Common
nounCovers skin and hide broadly; it can mean a furred pelt, but on its own it suggests the skin or hide rather than the fur itself, so it is often not the word you want for fur alone.
動物どうぶつの皮かわは毛けでおおわれている。↗
The skin of animals is covered with hair.
毛けJLPT N4approx.Common
nounRefers to the fur or hair growing on an animal's body, as in an animal's coat. It is not the word for fur as a material or product; for that, 毛皮 is the usual choice.
飼い猫かいねこの毛けのつやが悪わるくなった。↗
Our cat's fur has lost its luster.

Use 毛皮 for animal fur or a pelt as a material, 皮 for hide or skin including furred hides, and 毛 for the fur or hair growing on an animal's body.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

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