How to say "naked" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- prenominal modifierCovers the plain sense of 'naked', typically unclothed. A loanword with a somewhat direct, stylistic flavor, common in descriptions of bodies or imagery.
- むき出しむきだしna-adjective, no-adjectiveBest for 'naked' in the sense of bare or uncovered — something with its covering removed, such as bare wiring or an exposed surface, rather than an unclothed person.
- 赤裸々せきららna-adjective, nounMeans naked or nude, often with a literary tone; it also extends to frank, unvarnished revelation of facts or feelings, so it suits candid exposure more than everyday description.
- 露あらわna-adjectiveChiefly means exposed, bare or unconcealed rather than literally unclothed, so it is seldom the word you want for a naked person; use it for exposure or scantiness.
For literal nudity or the loanword feel use 「ネイキッド」; for bare, uncovered things use 「むき出し」; 赤裸々 suggests frank nudity or exposure; 露 chiefly means exposed or unconcealed rather than unclothed.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
