筋肉
kinniku[kʲĩɲ̟ːikɯ̟]
The Japanese word for muscle is 筋肉 (kinniku).
The term 筋肉 is used both in biological contexts and in fitness contexts to refer to muscle mass or muscle tissue.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 筋 (kin), meaning muscle or sinew and 肉 (niku), meaning meat.
How do you pronounce it?
kinniku
Did you know?
- While 筋肉 refers to muscle, the word 筋 (kin) can also mean 'plot' or 'storyline' in a movie or book, as both concepts involve a 'thread' or 'string' that holds things together.
- In many Japanese fitness contexts, rather than saying 'I want to build muscle', people often use the verb つける (tsukeru), which literally means 'to attach' or 'to stick on'.
- The character 肉 (niku) is a pictograph that originally depicted pieces of meat separated by bone, reflecting how the word for 'muscle' is visually built from the idea of flesh.
Examples in context
- 肉体が鍛えられた彼は、パフォーマンスに必要な筋力を持っている。He has a well-trained body and possesses the muscle strength necessary for his performance.
- 最近、筋トレにハマっていて、筋肉がついてきたよ。もうちょっとムキムキになりたいんだ。I've been into muscle training lately, and I've gained some muscles. I want to get even more toned.
- 筋肉が痛いです。kinniku ga itai desu.My muscles hurt.
- 彼は筋肉がすごいです。kare wa kinniku ga sugoi desu.He has amazing muscles.
- もっと筋肉をつけたいです。motto kinniku o tsuketaidesu.I want to build more muscle.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are at the gym.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、筋肉がついてきたね。Ren-kun, kinniku ga tsuite kita ne.Ren, you've put on some muscle.
- 蓮 Ren本当？毎日頑張っているからかな。Hontou? Mainichi ganbatte iru kara kana.Really? Maybe it's because I work hard every day.
- 陽葵 Himari私も筋肉をつけたいな。Watashi mo kinniku o tsuketai na.I want to build muscle too.
- 蓮 Ren一緒にトレーニングしようか。Issho ni toreeningu shiyou ka.Shall we train together?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 筋肉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 筋肉, CC BY-SA 4.0.
