足
[a̠ɕi]
The English word 'leg' is translated into Japanese as 足.
足 refers to the lower limb extending from the groin to the ankle.
Meaning: lower limb from groin to ankle (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, there is a distinction between the 'leg' and the 'foot', but in Japanese, 足 is used to cover both concepts. Additionally, while the word can be pronounced the same way when written with the kanji 脚, that specific kanji is used more precisely when referring to the leg as a limb, whereas 足 is the more common way to refer to the foot or the general concept of the limb.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting people, do not use 足. The counter 人 should be used instead.
Did you know?
- The word 足 is used in the expression 足が出る, which literally means 'the leg comes out' but actually refers to going over budget.
- In Japanese, the term 足 can refer to a person's ability to travel or their means of transportation, such as a car or a bicycle.
- The kanji 足 is used to form the word 足りる, which means 'to be sufficient' or 'to be enough'.
Examples in context
- 足がしびれた。I've got pins and needles in my leg.This sentence is useful for describing the sensation of pins and needles in the 足.Tatoeba #139883 by small_snow, translation #274458 by CM
- まだ左足は痛む？Is your left leg still hurting?This sentence is useful for asking if a left 足 is still in pain.Tatoeba #8750570 by bunbuku, translation #3823642 by CK
- 私は足を骨折した。I broke my leg.This sentence is useful for stating that one has broken a 足.Tatoeba #155297 by tommy_san, translation #259242 by CK
- 彼は長い脚を持っています。He has long legs.
- 下肢の筋力を強化するには、適度な運動が必要です。Moderate exercise is necessary to strengthen the lower limb muscles.
- 長距離走で足を鍛えることが重要です。It is important to train your legs for long-distance running.
- バスケットボールで足を怪我しちゃった。I injured my leg while playing basketball.
- このイスは脚がしっかりしていて安定感がある。This chair has sturdy legs and feels stable.
- 彼女の脚がきれいやねん。Her legs are beautiful, you know?
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are walking through a park.
- 美咲 Misaki足が疲れた。Ashi ga tsukareta.My legs are tired.
- 蓮 Ren少し休みましょうか。Sukoshi yasumimashou ka.Shall we rest a bit?
- 美咲 Misakiそうね、ベンチに座ろう。Sou ne, benchi ni suwarou.Yes, let's sit on a bench.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんは、無理をしないで。Misaki-san wa, muri o shinai de.Misaki, don't overdo it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 足, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
