1.
physical contact that builds closeness (hugging, holding hands, cuddling)
A Japanese coinage from 'skin' and the ending of 'friendship': the touching, hugging, and holding that build affection, especially between parents and children, and also between partners or with pets. It has nothing to do with English 'kinship.' Often with 図る or 不足.
A 和製英語 (Japanese-made English) word; English has no single equivalent, and 'kinship' is a false match. In Japanese it is a warm, everyday word of child-rearing.
Common collocations
- スキンシップを図る: to make an effort at physical closeness
- スキンシップを取る: to have physical contact (with a child, a pet)
- スキンシップ不足: a lack of physical closeness
Usage
Between adults who are not a couple, the word can describe unwelcome touching, and 職場でのスキンシップ is a phrase from harassment discussions rather than from friendship.
Related words
- 触れ合い: contact, interaction — touching in the wider sense of coming into contact with people
- 抱く: to hold, to hug