‘肤色’ (fū sè) literally combines ‘肤’ (fū), meaning ‘skin’, and ‘色’ (sè), meaning ‘color’ or ‘tone’. Together, it refers specifically to the natural color of a person’s skin — determined by melanin levels and often influenced by genetics, sun exposure, or health conditions. It is a neutral, clinical, and socially common term used in medical contexts, cosmetics, dermatology, and everyday descriptions.

Unlike more subjective or colloquial expressions (e.g., ‘脸色’ for facial complexion indicating mood or health), ‘肤色’ focuses objectively on pigmentation across the body. It appears frequently in discussions about sunscreen use, skin cancer prevention, makeup shade matching, and diversity awareness. While it can be used descriptively without bias, speakers should be mindful that referencing skin tone in social settings may carry cultural sensitivity depending on context and intent.