ジェスチャー
jesuchā[d͡ʑe̞sɨ̥t͡ɕa̠ː]
The English word gesture can be translated into Japanese as ジェスチャー (jesuchā) or 身振り.
Meaning: motion of the limbs or body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ジェスチャー | jesuchā | [d͡ʑe̞sɨ̥t͡ɕa̠ː] (narrow) |
| 身振り | miburi |
Both terms refer to the motion of the limbs or body.
Which one should you use?
The loanword ジェスチャー is commonly used in modern, everyday Japanese, often referring to communicative hand movements or theatrical gestures. In contrast, the native Japanese word 身振り is more formal or descriptive, often used in literature or when describing physical mannerisms and bodily movements in a more precise way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 身振り is typically used with the verb をする to mean 'to make a gesture'.
How do you pronounce it?
jesuchā
Did you know?
- A common Japanese gesture for 'no' or 'I cannot' is waving a hand back and forth in front of the face, which may be confused with a 'hello' or 'goodbye' wave in English.
- When using 身振り in a traditional theater context like Kabuki, a specific gesture called mie involves a stylized pose and a cross-eyed glare to express intense emotion.
- In professional Japanese settings, making too many ジェスチャー during a speech can be perceived as lack of composure or over-excitement, whereas in English it is often seen as charismatic.
Examples in context
- 彼はもう我慢がならないという身振りをした。He made a gesture of impatience.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the form 身振り.Tatoeba #110608 by KK_kaku_, translation #293078 by CK
- 彼は特にジェスチャーを使って自分の意見を表現します。He particularly uses gestures to express his opinions.
- 彼は身振りで感謝の気持ちを伝えました。He conveyed his gratitude through gestures.
- 彼はいつもジェスチャーで面白いことを伝えます。He always conveys funny things through gestures.
- その子のしぐさから、彼女は喜んでいることがわかりました。From the child's gestures, it was evident that she was happy.
- 彼女は大きなジェスチャーをしながら話した。Kanojo wa ookina jesuchā o shinagara hanashita.She spoke while making large gestures.
- そのジェスチャーの意味が分かりません。Sono jesuchā no imi ga wakarimasen.I don't understand the meaning of that gesture.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are discussing a street performer.
- 陽太 Yotaあの人はジェスチャーがとても面白いね。Ano hito wa jesuchā ga totemo omoshiroi ne.That person's gestures are very interesting, aren't they?
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね、陽太くん。動きがすごいよ。Hontou da ne, Youta-kun. Ugoki ga sugoi yo.You're right, Youta. His movements are amazing.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵さんは、あのジェスチャーの意味がわかる？Himari-san wa, ano jesuchā no imi ga wakaru?Himari, do you know the meaning of that gesture?
- 陽葵 Himariうーん、ちょっと分からないかも。Uun, chotto wakaranai kamo.Hmm, I might not quite understand it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gesture” translations and entries ジェスチャー, 身振り, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
