剥がす in 30 Seconds
- To peel or strip something off a surface.
- Used for stickers, paint, skin, etc.
- Action of removal by pulling or detaching.
- Literal Meaning
- To remove a layer or covering from a surface by peeling or stripping.
- Common Objects
- Stickers, labels, price tags, wallpaper, paint, skin (e.g., sunburned skin), bandages, posters.
- Action Type
- Active, deliberate removal; involves pulling or scraping.
子供がおもちゃのシールを机から剥がすのを手伝った。
古くなった壁紙を剥がす作業は大変だった。
- Figurative Use
- While less common, it can sometimes be used metaphorically for removing something intangible, like removing a burden or a negative impression, though more specific verbs are usually preferred.
日焼けで皮が剥がれてきた。（自動詞形）
- Basic Sentence Structure
- [Thing to be peeled] を [Surface] から 剥がす (hagasu).
Example: シールを紙から剥がす (shiiru o kami kara hagasu) - To peel a sticker from paper. - Common Verb Forms
- - ます形 (masu form): 剥がします (hagasu) - Polite present/future.
- て形 (te form): 剥がして (hagashite) - Used for connecting clauses or commands.
- た形 (ta form): 剥がした (hagashita) - Past tense.
- ない形 (nai form): 剥がさない (hagasana i) - Negative present/future.
- られる形 (rareru form): 剥がされる (hagasareru) - Passive voice (to be peeled off).
古いポスターを壁から剥がしました。
- Describing the Process
- Sometimes, adverbs can be added to describe how the peeling is done, like gently or forcefully. For example, ゆっくりと剥がす (yukkuri to hagasu) - to peel slowly.
注意深く、塗装を剥がしてください。
乾いた泥をブーツから剥がすのに苦労した。
- Home & DIY
- Removing wallpaper, posters, stickers, old paint, or loose tiles.
- Shopping
- Taking off price tags or security seals.
- Health & Beauty
- Peeling sunburned skin, removing medical patches or bandages.
- Food
- Peeling the skin off fruits or vegetables (though other verbs might be more common for general peeling).
このステッカーはなかなか剥がれないね。
夏になると、日焼けで皮が剥がれてくる。
- Confusing with 剥く (muku)
- While both involve peeling, 剥く (muku) is specifically used for peeling fruits and vegetables (like an orange or potato). 剥がす (hagasu) is broader and used for things like stickers, paint, or skin.
- Confusing with 取る (toru)
- 取る (toru) is a very general verb for 'to take' or 'to remove.' While you might 'take' a sticker off, 剥がす implies the specific action of peeling or stripping it away.
- Using the Intransitive Form Incorrectly
- Sometimes learners might use 剥がす when the situation calls for the intransitive form 剥がれる (hagaeru), which means 'to peel off' or 'to come off' by itself, without a direct agent causing it. For example, 'The paint is peeling off' would use 剥がれる, not 剥がす.
間違った使い方：このリンゴを剥がす。
- 剥く (muku)
- This verb specifically refers to peeling the skin off fruits and vegetables. For example, you would 剥く an orange (オレンジを剥く) or peel a potato (じゃがいもを剥く). It's less common for non-food items.
- 剥離する (hakuri suru)
- This is a more technical or formal term, often used in scientific or engineering contexts, meaning 'to delaminate' or 'to separate.' It implies a layer separating from another, often due to adhesive failure or stress. It's not typically used in casual conversation for everyday peeling.
- 剥がれる (hagaeru)
- This is the intransitive counterpart to 剥がす. It means 'to peel off,' 'to come off,' or 'to be detached' on its own. For example, sunburned skin 剥がれる (hagaeru), or paint 剥がれる (hagaeru). You don't actively cause it; it happens naturally or passively.
- 取り除く (torinozoku)
- A more general term for 'to remove' or 'to take away.' It can be used for many things, including removing dirt, stains, or unwanted items. While you could use it to mean removing a sticker, 剥がす is more specific to the peeling action.
果物の皮を剥く。
ペンキが剥がれている。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 剥 is composed of the radical 'hand' (扌) and 'skin' or 'shell' (representing the thing being peeled). This visual composition helps remember its meaning.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'u' at the end too strongly.
- Misplacing the stress on the 'ga' or 'su' syllables.
Difficulty Rating
This verb is encountered frequently in written materials, from simple instructions to more complex descriptions. Its core meaning is straightforward, but nuanced uses can appear in advanced texts.
Constructing sentences with 剥がす is generally manageable once the basic patterns are understood. Mastering its various nuances and avoiding confusion with similar verbs requires practice.
Using 剥がす in spoken Japanese is common for everyday situations. Pronunciation and intonation are key, and learners should practice using it in context.
Recognizing 剥がす when spoken is important, especially in contexts like DIY, shopping, or health advice. Paying attention to the context will help distinguish it from similar verbs.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
剥がす (transitive - to peel something off) vs. 剥がれる (intransitive - to peel off by itself). Example: I peeled the sticker off the wall (壁のシールを剥がした - transitive). The paint is peeling off the wall (壁のペンキが剥がれている - intransitive).
Potential Form
To express 'can peel off', add 〜やすい (yasui) for 'easy to peel' and 〜にくい (nikui) for 'difficult to peel'. For example: このステッカーは剥がしやすい (This sticker is easy to peel). このシールは剥がしにくい (This sticker is difficult to peel).
Using 〜ために (tame ni) for Purpose
古いペンキを剥がすために、サンドペーパーを使った (Furui penki o hagasu tame ni, sando pēpā o tsukatta - I used sandpaper in order to peel off the old paint).
Nominalization with 〜こと (koto) or 〜の (no)
シールを剥がすことは簡単だ (Shiiru o hagasu koto wa kantan da - Peeling off stickers is easy). 壁紙を剥がすのは大変だ (Kabegami o hagasu no wa taihen da - Peeling off wallpaper is tough).
Passive Voice
剥がされる (hagasareru) - to be peeled off. Example: 剥がされたポスターの跡が残っていた (Hagasareta posutā no ato ga nokotte ita - The mark of the peeled-off poster remained).
Examples by Level
シールを 剥がす。
Peel the sticker.
Simple imperative form.
皮を 剥がす。
Peel the skin.
General statement.
紙を 剥がす。
Peel the paper.
Simple action.
ラベルを 剥がす。
Peel the label.
Common everyday action.
テープを 剥がす。
Peel the tape.
Simple command.
古い紙を 剥がす。
Peel the old paper.
Past tense implied by context.
このシール、剥がせる？
Can you peel this sticker?
Potential form (can).
貼ったものを 剥がす。
Peel off what was stuck.
Describing the action.
壁のポスターを 剥がした。
I peeled the poster off the wall.
Past tense (ta-form).
このステッカーは剥がしにくい。
This sticker is hard to peel off.
Adjective-like usage with にくい (nikui).
日焼けで皮が剥がれてきた。
My skin started peeling off from sunburn.
Intransitive form 剥がれる (hagaeru).
値札をきれいに剥がしてください。
Please peel off the price tag cleanly.
Polite request with ください (kudasai).
子供が貼った絵を剥がした。
I peeled off the picture the child stuck.
Using relative clause.
古いペンキを剥がす作業をしています。
I am doing the work of peeling off old paint.
Using 〜しています (shite imasu) for ongoing action.
このテープは剥がすと跡が残る。
When you peel this tape off, it leaves a mark.
Using 〜と (to) for cause and effect.
絆創膏を剥がすときは痛い。
It hurts when I peel off the bandage.
Using 〜ときは (toki wa) for 'when'.
古い壁紙を剥がすのは大変な作業だ。
Peeling off the old wallpaper is a difficult task.
Using the verb as a noun phrase (〜のは).
この接着剤は強力で、なかなか剥がせない。
This adhesive is strong, and it's hard to peel off.
Potential negative form (〜せない).
日焼けの後の皮が乾燥して剥がれてくる。
The skin after sunburn dries and starts to peel off.
Combining intransitive 剥がれる (hagaeru) with 〜てくる (te kuru).
剥がしやすいように、端に切れ込みを入れてください。
Please make a cut on the edge so it's easy to peel off.
Using 〜ように (yō ni) for purpose.
塗装を剥がすために、専用の薬品を使った。
I used a special chemical to peel off the paint.
Using 〜ために (tame ni) for purpose.
一度貼ったシールは、綺麗に剥がすのが難しい。
It is difficult to peel off a sticker once it's been applied cleanly.
Using 〜のが難しい (no ga muzukashii).
この特殊なフィルムは、剥がす時に表面を傷つけない。
This special film does not damage the surface when peeled off.
Using 〜時に (toki ni) for 'when'.
剥がされたポスターの跡が壁に残っていた。
The mark of the peeled-off poster remained on the wall.
Passive form 剥がされた (hagasareta).
古い塗料を剥がす作業は、専門的な道具と技術を要する。
The task of stripping old paint requires specialized tools and techniques.
Formal vocabulary and sentence structure.
この種のステッカーは、特殊な溶剤を使わないと綺麗に剥がせない。
This type of sticker cannot be cleanly peeled off without using a special solvent.
Using 〜ないと (nai to) for condition.
医療用パッチを剥がす際には、皮膚への刺激を最小限に抑える必要がある。
When peeling off a medical patch, it is necessary to minimize irritation to the skin.
Formal phrasing with 〜際には (sai ni wa).
長年貼り付けられていたポスターが、糊の劣化により自然に剥がれ始めていた。
The poster, which had been affixed for many years, had begun to peel off naturally due to the deterioration of the adhesive.
Complex sentence structure with passive and causal elements.
剥がした後の表面を滑らかにするために、研磨作業を行った。
Sanding was performed to smooth the surface after peeling it off.
Using 〜後の (go no) and 〜ために (tame ni).
この保護フィルムは、剥がす際に静電気を帯びやすいため注意が必要だ。
Caution is needed because this protective film tends to generate static electricity when peeled off.
Using 〜ため (tame) for reason and 〜やすいため (yasui tame) for tendency.
剥がされた旧塗膜の下から、さらに古い時代の絵が見つかった。
Underneath the stripped-off old paint layer, an even older layer of painting was discovered.
Passive voice and descriptive language.
壁から剥がしたタイルを再利用する方法を検討している。
We are considering ways to reuse the tiles peeled off the wall.
Nominalization of the verb phrase.
建物の外壁から剥がれ落ちた塗料片が、周辺環境に影響を与える可能性が指摘されている。
It has been pointed out that paint fragments peeled off the building's exterior walls may affect the surrounding environment.
Formal, passive voice, and abstract concepts.
歴史的建造物の修復においては、元の素材を極力傷つけずに、劣化した塗装を剥がす高度な技術が求められる。
In the restoration of historical buildings, advanced techniques are required to peel off deteriorated paint without damaging the original materials as much as possible.
Complex sentence with nuanced purpose clauses and formal vocabulary.
皮膚科医は、アレルギー反応を起こした患者に対し、原因物質が残留しないよう、パッチを慎重に剥がすよう指示した。
The dermatologist instructed the patient who had an allergic reaction to carefully peel off the patch to ensure no causative agent remained.
Medical context, formal verb usage, and complex subordinate clauses.
剥がされた壁紙の裏側には、当時の生活様式を垣間見せる落書きが発見され、学術的な価値が見出された。
On the reverse side of the peeled-off wallpaper, graffiti offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the time was discovered, leading to academic value being found.
Descriptive language, passive voice, and abstract nouns.
この特殊な粘着剤は、高温下でその接着力を失い、容易に剥がすことが可能になる。
This special adhesive loses its adhesion under high temperatures, making it possible to peel it off easily.
Conditional clauses and formal phrasing.
考古学者は、遺物の表面に付着した土を剥がす作業を進めながら、その組成を分析した。
While proceeding with the work of peeling off the soil adhered to the surface of the artifact, the archaeologists analyzed its composition.
Simultaneous actions and formal vocabulary.
剥がされた広告の残骸が、都市景観を損ねているとして、行政による撤去が検討されている。
The remnants of peeled-off advertisements are considered to be detrimental to the urban landscape, leading to consideration of their removal by the administration.
Abstract concepts, formal phrasing, and passive constructions.
剥がれかけた塗装を放置することは、さらなる劣化を招き、建物の構造的健全性を損なう恐れがある。
Leaving peeling paint unattended can invite further deterioration and potentially compromise the structural integrity of the building.
Conditional phrasing, formal vocabulary, and potential consequences.
長年の風雨に晒された結果、剥がれ落ちた塗装片は、その時代の建築技術や環境汚染の指標となり得る。
As a result of prolonged exposure to wind and rain, the peeled-off paint fragments can serve as indicators of the architectural technology and environmental pollution of that era.
Highly formal, abstract, and analytical language.
美術品の修復家は、元の絵画の意図を損なうことなく、後世に施された不要な加筆部分を慎重に剥がす作業に従事する。
Art restorers engage in the task of carefully peeling off unnecessary additions made in later generations, without compromising the original painter's intent.
Precise terminology, complex sentence structure, and nuanced meaning.
剥がされた広告媒体の残骸が、都市景観における視覚的ノイズとして機能し、景観論的な観点からの考察を促す。
The remnants of peeled-off advertising media function as visual noise in the urban landscape, prompting consideration from a landscape-theoretical perspective.
Academic jargon, abstract concepts, and philosophical tone.
剥がれかけた保護膜は、基材の劣化を加速させるだけでなく、最終製品の機能性をも著しく低下させる。
The peeling protective film not only accelerates the deterioration of the substrate but also significantly reduces the functionality of the final product.
Formal scientific language, cause-and-effect relationships, and strong negative impact.
剥がされた過去の痕跡は、現代社会における記憶の断片として、集合的無意識の探求に資する。
The peeled-off traces of the past, as fragments of memory in contemporary society, contribute to the exploration of the collective unconscious.
Philosophical and psychological concepts, abstract nouns.
剥がすという行為には、単なる物理的な除去を超えた、過去との決別や新たな始まりといった象徴的な意味合いが含まれることがある。
The act of peeling off can sometimes carry symbolic meanings beyond mere physical removal, such as a break from the past or a new beginning.
Metaphorical interpretation, abstract symbolism.
剥がれた皮膚組織の再生プロセスは、細胞レベルでの複雑な相互作用によって制御されており、そのメカニズムの解明が待たれる。
The regeneration process of peeled skin tissue is controlled by complex interactions at the cellular level, and the elucidation of its mechanisms is awaited.
Biological and medical terminology, complex scientific processes.
剥がすという動詞の多様な用法は、日本語の表現の豊かさと、文脈依存性の高さを物語っている。
The diverse usages of the verb 'hagasu' illustrate the richness of Japanese expression and its high context dependency.
Linguistic analysis, abstract concepts about language.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Easy to peel off.
この包装紙は剥がしやすいように工夫されている。
— Difficult to peel off.
古いステッカーは、時間が経つと剥がしにくくなる。
— To struggle to peel off.
頑固な汚れを剥がすのに苦労した。
— To peel off cleanly.
跡が残らないように、綺麗に剥がしたい。
— Mark left after peeling off.
テープを剥がした跡が残っている。
— To peel off by force.
無理に剥がすと、素材を傷つけてしまうかもしれない。
— To peel off naturally.
日焼けした皮は、自然に剥がれていく。
— As if peeling off / In a peeling manner.
絵の具が剥がすように落ちてきた。
— Cannot peel off.
このシールは強力すぎて剥がせない。
— To peel off and use.
この製品は、保護フィルムを剥がして使います。
Often Confused With
This is a common point of confusion. 剥く is specifically for peeling fruits and vegetables (like an orange or potato). 剥がす is broader and used for stickers, paint, skin, etc.
This is the intransitive form. 剥がす is transitive (you peel something off), while 剥がれる is intransitive (something peels off on its own). For example, 'I peeled the sticker off' (シールを剥がした -agasu), but 'The sticker peeled off' (シールが剥がれた - hagaeru).
取る is a general verb for 'to take' or 'remove.' While you can 'take' a sticker off, 剥がす specifically describes the action of peeling or stripping it away.
Idioms & Expressions
— Like peeling the skin off (often used to describe something very easy or straightforward, or sometimes something that reveals a hidden truth).
この問題は、皮を剥がすように簡単だった。
Casual— To peel off and fall down; to crumble away.
長年の風雨で、壁のペンキが剥がれ落ちてしまった。
Descriptive— Like stripping something away forcefully; often used metaphorically for taking something away aggressively or unjustly.
彼の権利を剥ぎ取るようなやり方だった。
Strong, often negative— To expose; to lay bare; to reveal.
彼は自分の感情を剥き出しにして語った。
Metaphorical, often emotional— A peeled-off mask; a false appearance revealed.
ついに彼の剥がれた仮面が暴かれた。
Metaphorical, revealing truth— A broken bond; a relationship that has fallen apart.
長年の友情も、ついに剥がれた絆となってしまった。
Metaphorical, relationship context— Stripped pride; dignity that has been taken away.
彼のプライドは、その屈辱的な言葉で剥がされた。
Metaphorical, emotional impact— To be peeling away; to be disintegrating or fading.
かつての栄光が、次第に剥がれていくのを感じた。
Metaphorical, decline— A cold gaze that feels like it's stripping you bare; a piercing, unfriendly look.
彼女の剥がすような冷たい視線に、彼は凍りついた。
Descriptive, emotional— Cannot be peeled off; inseparable; persistent.
この汚れは、どんなにこすっても剥がれない。
Literal or metaphorical persistenceEasily Confused
Both verbs involve the concept of 'peeling' or removing a layer.
剥く is exclusively used for peeling fruits and vegetables. For example, you 剥く an apple (りんごを剥く). 剥がす is used for a wider range of items like stickers, paint, or skin. You wouldn't 剥く a sticker; you would 剥がす it.
果物の皮を剥く。(muku) vs. シールを剥がす。(hagasu)
They share the same kanji and sound similar, representing a related concept of detachment.
剥がす is transitive, meaning an agent actively peels something off (e.g., 'I peeled the sticker off' - シールを剥がした). 剥がれる is intransitive, meaning something peels off by itself (e.g., 'The sticker peeled off' - シールが剥がれた).
私はシールを剥がした。(hagasu) vs. シールが剥がれた。(hagaeru)
Both verbs mean 'to remove'.
取り除く is a general term for removal. You can remove dirt, dust, or unwanted items. 剥がす is specific to the action of peeling or stripping away a layer or adhered item. You would 取り除く dirt, but 剥がす a sticker.
机の上の埃を取り除く。(torinozoku) vs. 机の上のシールを剥がす。(hagasu)
It is a variation of 剥がす and implies a similar action of removal.
剥ぎ取る often implies a more forceful or aggressive removal compared to 剥がす. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation of tearing something away. For example, stripping bark from a tree might be 剥ぎ取る, while peeling a sticker might be 剥がす.
樹皮を剥ぎ取る。(hagitoru) vs. ステッカーを剥がす。(hagasu)
It also involves the separation of layers.
剥離する is a more technical or formal term used in scientific, engineering, or medical contexts to describe delamination or the separation of layers, often due to material failure or stress. 剥がす is used for everyday actions like peeling stickers or paint.
接着剤が剥離する。(hakuri suru) vs. 接着剤を剥がす。(hagasu)
Sentence Patterns
[Object] を 剥がす。
シールを 剥がす。
[Object] を [Surface] から 剥がした。
ポスターを 壁から 剥がした。
[Thing to be peeled] を 剥がすのは [Adjective/Noun Phrase]。
古い壁紙を 剥がすのは 大変だ。
[Object] を 剥がすために [Tool/Method] を使った。
ペンキを 剥がすために 道具を 使った。
〜ないと 剥がせない。
特殊な溶剤を 使わないと 剥がせない。
[Action] 際には、〜ように注意する。
パッチを 剥がす際には、皮膚を 傷つけないように注意する。
[Object] が 剥がれ落ちた 結果、〜。
塗料が 剥がれ落ちた 結果、地面が汚れた。
〜という行為は、〜といった象徴的な意味合いを含むことがある。
剥がす という行為は、過去との決別といった象徴的な意味合いを含むことがある。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 剥がす for fruit/vegetable peeling.
→
Use 剥く (muku) for peeling fruits and vegetables.
While both involve peeling, 剥く is specialized for food items. 剥がす is for stickers, paint, skin, etc.
-
Confusing 剥がす (hagasu) with 剥がれる (hagaeru).
→
Use 剥がす when you actively peel something off. Use 剥がれる when something peels off by itself.
剥がす is transitive (I peeled it off). 剥がれる is intransitive (It peeled off). For example, 'I peeled the sticker' (シールを剥がした) vs. 'The sticker peeled off' (シールが剥がれた).
-
Using 剥がす to remove dirt.
→
Use verbs like 取り除く (torinozoku) or 洗う (arau) for removing dirt.
剥がす specifically means to peel or strip away a layer or an adhered item, not loose particles like dirt.
-
Using 剥がす when the action is forceful or aggressive.
→
Consider 剥ぎ取る (hagitoru) if the action is particularly forceful or implies tearing.
While 剥がす is general, 剥ぎ取る often implies a more aggressive removal, like stripping bark or forcefully tearing something away.
-
Forgetting the object marker を (o) or source marker から (kara).
→
Use the pattern: [Object] を [Surface] から 剥がす.
Sentences often require specifying what is being peeled off (using を) and from where (using から) for clarity.
Tips
剥がす vs. 剥く
Remember that 剥がす is for stickers, paint, skin, etc., while 剥く is specifically for fruits and vegetables. Think of 剥く as 'peeling an apple' and 剥がす as 'peeling a sticker off a wall'.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Distinguish between 剥がす (transitive - you peel it) and 剥がれる (intransitive - it peels itself). The presence of an agent actively doing the peeling determines which verb to use.
Everyday Scenarios
You'll hear 剥がす frequently in contexts like home improvement (removing wallpaper), shopping (taking off price tags), or even discussing sunburn. Listen for it in these situations.
Stress and Sound
Focus on stressing the first syllable 'ha'. Ensure the final 'u' in 'su' is short and not overemphasized to sound more natural.
Visual Association
Imagine a hand forcefully peeling a stubborn sticker off a wall, leaving behind some residue. This visual can help solidify the meaning of active removal.
Common Pairs
Practice phrases like 'シールを剥がす' (peel off a sticker), '壁紙を剥がす' (peel off wallpaper), and '皮を剥がす' (peel skin) to build fluency.
Opposite Actions
Connect 剥がす (to peel off) with its opposite, 貼る (haru - to stick/paste). Understanding this contrast helps reinforce the meaning of both verbs.
Cleanliness of Removal
While 剥がす means to peel off, the result isn't always clean. The phrase '綺麗に剥がす' (kirei ni hagasu) specifically means to peel off cleanly, indicating that 'cleanly' is an additional qualifier.
Marks Left Behind
Think about what happens *after* peeling something off. The phrase '剥がす跡' (hagasu ato) refers to the mark or residue left behind, which is a common related concept.
DIY and Repair
In DIY contexts, 剥がす is crucial for tasks like removing old paint or wallpaper before applying new materials. Understanding this verb is essential for anyone interested in home improvement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'hag' who loves to 'gas' up their car by peeling off old stickers from the gas pump. The 'hag' 'gas' 'hagasu'.
Visual Association
Picture a hand forcefully peeling a large, stubborn sticker off a wall, with pieces tearing unevenly. Focus on the action of 'stripping' it away.
Word Web
Challenge
Find five different items around your house that have stickers or labels. Practice saying "I will peel this off" (これを剥がします - kore o hagasimasu) before you actually do it.
Word Origin
The kanji 剥 itself originates from a pictograph depicting a hand peeling something. The verb 剥す (hagasu) evolved from this root, indicating the action of peeling or stripping.
Original meaning: The core meaning relates to separating a layer from a base.
Japonic languagesCultural Context
When dealing with skin peeling (e.g., sunburn), it's a common, often unpleasant, physical experience. The verb 剥がす can be used to describe the action if one actively peels it, but 剥がれる (hagaeru) is more common for the natural process.
In English-speaking cultures, we also have words like 'peel,' 'strip,' 'remove,' and 'detach,' which cover similar actions. The concept of carefully removing price tags from gifts or cleaning surfaces is universally understood.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Home Renovation/DIY
- 壁紙を剥がす
- ペンキを剥がす
- 古い塗装を剥がす
Shopping and Packaging
- 値札を剥がす
- シールを剥がす
- テープを剥がす
Personal Care/Health
- 日焼けで皮が剥がれる
- 絆創膏を剥がす
- パッチを剥がす
Art and Crafts
- ステッカーを剥がす
- デカールを剥がす
Food Preparation (less common for general peeling)
- 果物の皮を剥がす
Conversation Starters
"What's the hardest thing you've ever had to peel off?"
"Do you prefer to peel stickers off cleanly, or does it not bother you if they leave residue?"
"Have you ever had to peel off old wallpaper? What was that experience like?"
"When you buy something new, do you peel off the price tag immediately?"
"What's something that, if it peeled off, would cause a big problem?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to peel something off a surface. What was it, and how did you do it?
Think about something that feels like it's 'peeling away' in your life – perhaps a bad habit, a difficult situation, or an old belief. How are you trying to peel it off?
Imagine you are a conservator restoring an old object. Describe the process of carefully peeling away layers of damage or previous repairs.
Write about a common household chore involving peeling or stripping something away. What tools do you use, and what are the challenges?
Reflect on the difference between actively 'peeling something off' (剥がす) and something 'peeling off' by itself (剥がれる). Can you think of metaphorical examples for both?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in the object being peeled. 剥く (muku) is specifically used for peeling the skin off fruits and vegetables, like an orange (オレンジを剥く) or a potato (じゃがいもを剥く). 剥がす (hagasu) is a more general verb used for peeling off stickers (シールを剥がす), paint (ペンキを剥がす), wallpaper (壁紙を剥がす), or skin (皮膚を剥がす). Think of 剥く for food and 剥がす for everything else that involves peeling or stripping.
This is a common point of confusion between transitive and intransitive verbs. 剥がす (hagasu) is transitive, meaning someone or something actively performs the action of peeling something off. For example, 'I peeled the sticker off the wall' (壁のシールを剥がした). 剥がれる (hagaeru) is intransitive, meaning something peels off by itself without an active agent. For example, 'The paint is peeling off the wall' (壁のペンキが剥がれている). The key is whether there is an agent causing the peeling.
While its primary meaning is literal, 剥がす can sometimes be used metaphorically, though less commonly than other verbs. For example, one might speak of 'stripping away' someone's pride or rights, but more specific verbs like 剥奪する (hakudatsu suru - to deprive) are usually preferred for abstract concepts. However, phrases like '剥がされた仮面' (hagasareta kamen - a peeled-off mask) are used metaphorically to mean a false appearance being revealed.
Very common items include stickers (シール), labels (ラベル), price tags (値札), posters (ポスター), wallpaper (壁紙), old paint (ペンキ), and sometimes skin (e.g., sunburned skin - 日焼けした皮). It's anything that is adhered to a surface and can be removed by peeling or stripping.
Ideally, yes, but it doesn't always guarantee it. The phrase 綺麗に剥がす (kirei ni hagasu) means to peel off cleanly. However, depending on the object and surface, peeling something off might leave residue or damage the underlying surface. The verb itself describes the action of peeling, not necessarily the perfect outcome.
Yes, it is commonly used for removing bandages or medical patches. For example, 絆創膏を剥がす (bansōkō o hagasu - to peel off a bandage). In medical contexts, care is often emphasized, so you might hear phrases like 'carefully peel off' (慎重に剥がす - shinchō ni hagasu).
Both involve peeling or stripping. 剥ぎ取る (hagitoru) often implies a more forceful or rough action, sometimes with a negative connotation of tearing something away. For instance, stripping bark from a tree might be described as 剥ぎ取る. 剥がす is more general and can be used for gentler actions like peeling a sticker. The context usually dictates which is more appropriate.
No, generally not. For removing dirt or grime, you would use verbs like 洗う (arau - to wash), こすり落とす (kosuriotosu - to scrub off), or 取り除く (torinozoku - to remove). 剥がす specifically refers to peeling off a layer or an adhered item, not loose dirt.
The intransitive counterpart is 剥がれる (hagaeru). While 剥がす means 'to peel something off' (transitive), 剥がれる means 'to peel off' or 'to come off' by itself (intransitive). For example, 'I peeled the sticker off' (シールを剥がした) vs. 'The sticker peeled off' (シールが剥がれた).
Yes, for stickers or tape that peel off easily, you might hear ペリペリ (periperi), which describes the sound or sensation of peeling. For example, 'ペリペリ剥がす' (periperi hagasu) means to peel off with a 'periperi' sound.
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Summary
剥がす (hagasu) is the action of physically removing something that is attached or stuck to a surface, like peeling a sticker off a wall or stripping skin from fruit. It implies a deliberate act of detachment.
- To peel or strip something off a surface.
- Used for stickers, paint, skin, etc.
- Action of removal by pulling or detaching.
剥がす vs. 剥く
Remember that 剥がす is for stickers, paint, skin, etc., while 剥く is specifically for fruits and vegetables. Think of 剥く as 'peeling an apple' and 剥がす as 'peeling a sticker off a wall'.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Distinguish between 剥がす (transitive - you peel it) and 剥がれる (intransitive - it peels itself). The presence of an agent actively doing the peeling determines which verb to use.
Everyday Scenarios
You'll hear 剥がす frequently in contexts like home improvement (removing wallpaper), shopping (taking off price tags), or even discussing sunburn. Listen for it in these situations.
Stress and Sound
Focus on stressing the first syllable 'ha'. Ensure the final 'u' in 'su' is short and not overemphasized to sound more natural.
Example
リンゴの皮を剥がす。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More food words
少々
B1A little; a few.
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
