Entry
かさかさ
kasakasa
A dry, rough surface that has lost moisture, or the light rustling sound of thin dry objects rubbing together.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word covers two closely related uses. First, skin, lips, or another surface that has lost water or oil until it feels rough. Second, the light sound of dry leaves, paper, or plastic brushing together. The point is surface dryness, not an empty container and not a pleasant dampness.
- Skin or a surface that is dry and rough.
- A light rustling sound from thin dry objects.
Sense Map
Dry, Rough Texture
Used when skin, lips, hands, or another surface has lost moisture and feels rough to the touch.
肌がかさかさする。
Light Rustling
Used for the light sound of thin dry objects, such as fallen leaves, paper, or a plastic bag.
落ち葉がかさかさと鳴る。
Usage Note
How to Use
かさかさする
Marks a surface, usually skin, that currently feels dry and rough.
かさかさの + noun
Modifies a noun that is already dry and rough, such as skin or fallen leaves.
かさかさと + verb
Mimics a light rustling sound, or marks the way dry objects rub together.
かさかさに + verb
Marks the result of becoming dry, such as paper or skin that has lost moisture.
How to Use
Common Phrases
肌がかさかさする
the skin feels dry and rough
手がかさかさ
dry, rough hands
かさかさと鳴る
to make a light rustling sound
かさかさの落ち葉
dry, rustling fallen leaves
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Skincare | Negative | Very common when complaining about skin, lips, or hands that need moisturizer, especially in winter. |
| Leaves or paper | Neutral | Simply describes a light sound from dry objects, such as fallen leaves or a plastic bag, without a negative judgment. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がさがさ がさがさ / similar | Used for a louder, harsher rustle, or a surface that feels much coarser. | This word is lighter: skin that has lost moisture, or the faint friction of paper and dry leaves. Not a noisy rustle. | がさがさと茂みをかき分ける。 |
ぱさぱさ ぱさぱさ / similar | Used for hair or food that has lost moisture or oil, such as stale bread. | This word is more often for skin or the sound of thin dry objects. Not the texture of bread or dull hair. | パンがパサパサしている。 |
しっとり しっとり / contrast | Used for a surface that is moist, soft, and well hydrated, such as skin after moisturizer. | This word marks dryness and roughness at the surface, or a dry friction sound. Not a comfortable dampness. | 肌がしっとりする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for dry bread or other dry food.
For food or hair that has lost its inner moisture, choose a word for that dry texture. This word is for skin or the sound of thin dry objects.
Using this word for the sound of water or wet objects.
This word is only for things that are already dry. For water sounds, choose a word that marks splashing or flowing.
Examples
Examples
冬は空気が乾いて、手がかさかさする。
ふゆはくうきがかわいて、てがかさかさする。
The winter air is dry, so the hands feel rough.
LiteralHands whose skin has lost moisture and feels rough.
唇がかさかさしてきたので、クリームを塗った。
くちびるがかさかさしてきたので、クリームをぬった。
The lips started to feel dry and rough, so I put on cream.
LiteralLips that have lost moisture and feel rough.
落ち葉を踏むと、かさかさと音がする。
おちばをふむと、かさかさとおとがする。
When you step on fallen leaves, they make a light rustling sound.
LiteralA light friction sound from dry leaves, not a heavy noise.
袋がかさかさと鳴った。
ふくろがかさかさとなった。
The bag made a light rustling sound.
LiteralA friction sound from a thin dry object, such as a bag.
古い紙がかさかさに乾いている。
ふるいかみがかさかさにかわいている。
The old paper has dried out until it is rough.
LiteralPaper that has lost moisture until the surface feels dry.
Similar Words
がさがさ
gasagasa
Describes a harsh rustling sound or a dry, rough texture that feels unpleasantly coarse to the touch. A louder, harsher rustle, or a much coarser surface. Not the faint friction of skin, paper, or dry leaves.
パサパサ
pasapasa
Describes the state of lacking moisture or natural oils, resulting in an unpleasantly dry or coarse texture. A dry texture in hair or food. Not dry skin or the sound of thin dry objects.
しっとり
shittori
Shittori describes something that is pleasantly moist and soft, or a calm, graceful, and serene atmosphere. A moist, soft, well-hydrated surface. Not dryness or roughness at the surface, and not a dry friction sound.
Questions
Can this word be used for dry skin?
Yes. The expression for skin that feels dry and rough is very common, especially in winter or after washing your hands.
Is this word only for sound?
No. Rustling is one use. The word is also used for a dry, rough surface, especially skin.
How is it used for fallen leaves?
The to form plus a verb of sounding marks the light friction of dry leaves, paper, or plastic, not a heavy noise.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1037130
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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