How to Say "Knees" in Japanese

膝

hiza[çiza̠]

The English word "knees" is translated into Japanese as 膝 (hiza).

How does it change in a sentence?

Unlike English, the Japanese word 膝 does not change its form to indicate plurality. It can mean both 'knee' and 'knees' depending on the context.

The word 膝 is used in the expression 膝を突き合わせる, which literally means 'to put knees together' but actually means to have a frank and honest discussion.
In traditional Japanese seating, the position of the 膝 is central to seiza, where one kneels on the floor. This posture is so formal that it is still required in certain martial arts and traditional tea ceremonies.
Japanese has a specific term 膝掛け meaning 'knee-cover', which refers to a lap blanket used specifically for warmth while sitting.

膝を曲げて、前を見て。
Bend your knees and look in front of you.
Tatoeba #85499 by small_snow, translation #318214 by adjusting
水は私の膝の高さまで来た。
The water came up to my knees.
Tatoeba #10330113 by bunbuku, translation #270805 by CK
水は膝の高さに達していた。
The water reached my knees.
Tatoeba #11238536 by small_snow, translation #4392249 by AlanF_US
医学の授業では、膝の構造について学んでいます。
During the medical lecture, we are studying the structure of the knees.
彼女は膝にケガをしました。
She injured her knee.
散歩中にひざが痛くなっちゃった。
My knees started hurting during the walk.
7 more sentences on Tatoeba

Kenta and Himari are walking through a park.

健太 Kenta

膝が痛いんだ。
Hiza ga itain da.
My knees hurt.
陽葵 Himari

大丈夫？無理しないでね。
Daijoubu? Muri shinai de ne.
Are you okay? Don't push yourself.
健太 Kenta

少し休めば、良くなると思う。
Sukoshi yasumeba, yoku naru to omou.
I think I'll be fine if I rest a bit.
陽葵 Himari

じゃあ、あそこのベンチに座ろう。
Jaa, asoko no benchi ni suwarou.
Then, let's sit on that bench over there.

Sources

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