Japanese word

肘

Pronunciation

Romajihiji

Meaning

  • nounelbow

Example

肘が痛いです。hiji ga ita i de su

My elbow hurts.

Illustration for 肘 (elbow)

More examples

机に肘をついて本を読みます。tsukue ni hiji o tsu i te hon o yo mi ma su

I read with my elbow resting on the desk.

Core concept

肘 (hiji, "elbow") is the joint that connects the upper and lower parts of the arm and supports bending and resting.

Common phrases

  • 肘をつくhiji o tsu ku

    rest an elbow

  • 肘を伸ばすhiji o no ba su

    straighten the elbow

  • 肘を曲げるhiji o ma ge ru

    bend the elbow

Definition in Japanese

上腕と前腕をつなぎ、腕を曲げる関節の部分。jō wan to zen wan o tsu na gi ude o ma ge ru kan setsu no bu bun

Word origin

The Japanese noun 肘 (hiji, "elbow") is a native word of uncertain original formation, while the kanji is a later written representation.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 肘をつく (hiji o tsuku) means to rest one's elbow on a surface and can sound impolite at a meal in Japan.

Word lists with this word