How to say "waist" in Japanese

• ウエストCommon
  nounCovers the waistline sense: the narrow part of the body between ribs and hips, or its measurement, as in clothing sizes. The go-to word when talking about dress size or a slim waist.
  彼女かのじょのウエストは２４インチある。↗

  Her waist measures 24 inches.
• 腰こしJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounUsually means the lower back or the hip area, as in back pain or sitting up straight. It can render 'waist' but really points to that body region, not to a measurement or waistline.
  腰こしに持病じびょうがあります。↗

  I have back problems.
• 胴どうJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounRefers to the trunk or torso of the body rather than the waist specifically. It matches 'waist' only loosely, so it is seldom the word you want; think of it as the body's middle section as a whole.
  ダックスフントは、非常ひじょうに長ながい胴どうと短みじかい足あしをしたドイツ犬けんである。↗

  A dachshund is a dog from Germany with a very long body and short legs.
• 腰部ようぶCommon
  no-adjectiveAn anatomical term for the lumbar region, loins, or waist area of the body. Suited to medical or technical descriptions of that part of the anatomy rather than everyday talk about one's waistline.
• おみこしCommon
  nounTypically means the lower back or hips, and is usually written in kana alone. It can gloss 'waist' but is really about the lower back area, not the waistline or its measurement.

Use 「ウエスト」 for the waistline/body measurement, 腰 for the lower back and surrounding area, 胴 for the torso as a whole, 腰部 for the anatomical waist region, and 「おみこし」 mainly for the lower back.

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

• ウエストwaist
• 腰こしlower back
• 胴どうtrunk
• 腰部ようぶloins
• 股上またがみwaist (the part of the pants located above the crotch)
• 胴回りどうまわりwaist
• 小腰こごしwaist
• 腰のくびれこしのくびれwaist
• 胴囲どういwaist
• お腰おこしbuttocks
• みこしlower back
• おみこしlower back
• くびれwaist (esp. of a woman)
• Ｗダブリューwaist (measurement)