1.
cast-off skin; empty shell
The shed skin of an insect or snake. Literally, the shell left behind after a creature has emerged from it.
セミの抜け殻を見つけた。
I found a cicada's empty shell.
木の幹に蛇の抜け殻がついていた。
A snake's shed skin was clinging to a tree trunk.
子どもの頃、セミの抜け殻を集めるのが好きだった。
As a child, I liked collecting cicada shells.
2.
empty shell of a person; lifeless state
A person who has lost their energy, spirit, or motivation and seems hollow or absent. Used figuratively.
彼は抜け殻のようだった。
He was like an empty shell.
恋人に去られて抜け殻になった。
After being left by my partner, I became an empty shell.
大きなプロジェクトが終わって、抜け殻のような気分だ。
Now that the big project is over, I feel like an empty husk.
USAGE:
Sense 1 is literal — the shed exoskeleton of insects (especially cicadas) or snakeskin. Collecting cicada shells (蝉の抜け殻) is a common childhood activity in Japan. Sense 2 is figurative, describing someone who seems hollow or devoid of energy.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- セミの抜け殻 (cicada shell)
- 蛇の抜け殻 (snakeskin — considered a good luck charm)
- 抜け殻のように (like an empty shell)
CULTURAL NOTE:
A 蛇の抜け殻 (shed snakeskin) is traditionally believed to bring good luck with money in Japan. Some people keep one in their wallet.