胸元・胸もと・胸許|むなもとmunamoto[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
胸元胸元 is the most common written form, with both parts written in kanji. You will encounter it frequently in writing.
胸もと胸もと is the second most common form and combines kanji with kana. It is the recommended form for beginners to use.
胸許胸許 uses kanji throughout but is rarely used, so learners are unlikely to encounter it often.
Definitions
- nounbreast; chest
- nounpit of the stomach; solar plexus; epigastrium
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym胸むねNeutralThe general word for the chest, also the heart or feelings as in 「胸が痛む」; far broader than 「胸元」, the front of the chest from the collar down to the pit.
- Synonym胸部きょうぶWrittenA written, medical term for the chest, as in 「胸部X線」; an objective anatomical label, not the everyday word for the area near the collar.
- Synonym胸ぐらむなぐらNeutralThe front of one's clothing at the chest; mostly in 「胸ぐらをつかむ」, so it carries the flavour of grabbing someone in a fight.
- SynonymチェストNeutralA loanword for the chest, heard mainly in fitness talk; it also means a chest of drawers or lidded storage box, so context decides.
Use 「胸元」 for the area around the chest or collar, as in 「胸元が開いた服」. For the chest in general, including feelings, say 「胸」; in medical contexts 「胸部」; grabbing someone's front 「胸ぐら」; the loanword 「チェスト」 suits fitness and furniture talk.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
- 胸（みぞおち）の辺り。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
