How to say "nose" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

鼻はなJLPT N5approx.Common
nounThe nose as a body part, on people or animals. This is the everyday word you want in almost any context except aviation; it is also the word used in expressions about smell.
鼻はなが出でているよ。かみなさい。↗
Your nose is running. Blow it.
機首きしゅCommon
nounThe nose of an airplane specifically. Use it when talking about aircraft, as in the front section of a plane; it is not used for noses on faces or other objects.
敵てきは機首きしゅを反転はんてんして我々われわれの方向ほうこうに向むけた。↗
The enemy's plane suddenly turned toward us.

Use 鼻 for the body part (the nose on a face or animal); use 機首 only for the nose of an airplane.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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