Japanese word

筋

Pronunciation

Romajisuji

Meaning

  • nounmuscle

Example

運動の後で筋が痛みます。un dō no ato de suji ga ita mi ma su

My muscles hurt after exercise.

Illustration for 筋 (muscle)

More examples

重い荷物を持ったので、腕の筋が張っています。omo i ni motsu o mo tta no de ude no suji ga ha tte i ma su

The muscles in my arms are tight because I carried a heavy load.

Core concept

Points to the strong, narrow tissue that runs through the body and enables movement, including muscles and tendons.

Common phrases

  • 筋が張るsuji ga ha ru

    muscles feel tight

  • 筋を鍛えるsuji o kita e ru

    train one's muscles

  • 筋を伸ばすsuji o no ba su

    stretch a muscle

Similar words

筋肉kinniku: Body tissue that contracts to move the body and maintain its position.

Definition in Japanese

体を動かすために働く、細長い筋肉や骨と筋肉をつなぐ腱。karada o ugo ka su ta me ni hatara ku hoso naga i kin niku ya hone to kin niku o tsu na gu ken

Word origin

The native Japanese word 筋 (suji) originally expresses the idea of a line or narrow strand, which connects naturally to its meaning of muscle or tendon in the body.

Usage tips

  • The word 筋 (suji) appears in the common fitness term 筋トレ (kintore), which means training to build muscle.

Other meanings

  • tendonnoun

Word lists with this word