Japanese Conversation · Level 35
90 words
Japanese word
筋肉
Pronunciation
Romajikinniku
Meaning
- nounmuscle
Example
運動すると、筋肉がつきます。un dō su ru to kin niku ga tsu ki ma su
Exercise builds muscle.
More examples
重い荷物を持つと、腕の筋肉を使います。omo i ni motsu o mo tsu to ude no kin niku o tsuka i ma su
You use the muscles in your arms when you carry a heavy load.
Core concept
Describes the body tissue that enables movement by contracting and gives the body physical power.
Common phrases
筋肉を鍛えるkin niku o kita e ru
build muscle
筋肉がつくkin niku ga tsu ku
gain muscle
筋肉が落ちるkin niku ga o chi ru
lose muscle
Similar words
筋suji: An everyday term for body tissue that contracts to move part of the body.
Definition in Japanese
収縮して体を動かし、身体に力を与える組織。shū shuku shi te karada o ugo ka shi shin tai ni chikara o ata e ru so shiki
Word origin
筋肉 (kinniku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 筋 (kin, "muscle or sinew") and 肉 (niku, "flesh or meat").
Usage tips
- In English, muscle also has a figurative meaning of strength or influence, as in political muscle, while the Japanese word normally refers to body tissue.
Related words
- 筋肉質kinnikushitsumuscularna-adjective