How to say "muscle" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 筋肉きんにくnounThe default word for muscle as the flesh of the body that moves and can be trained. Use it when talking about anatomy, exercise, or building strength.
- 筋すじnounAlso glossed as muscle, but it leans toward tendon and sinew — the fibrous cords and lines of the body. For muscle as flesh it is seldom the word you want; 筋肉 is the natural choice.
Use 筋肉 for muscle as body tissue, the usual everyday choice; 筋 covers muscle but leans toward tendon, sinew, or lines of muscle, so pick it when those meanings are in play.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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