足
ashi[a̠ɕi]
The English phrase "legs" is translated into Japanese as 足 (ashi).
The word 足 is used to refer to both the legs and the feet. It is also used in common idiomatic expressions, such as the phrase 足が速い, which literally means "legs are fast" and is the standard way to say that someone is a fast runner.
Which one should you use?
While 足 is the common way to write 'ashi', the kanji 脚 is specifically used when referring to the anatomical structure of the legs (the limbs) to avoid ambiguity with the feet.
Did you know?
- The expression 足を洗う ('to wash one's feet') is used to describe someone quitting a life of crime or leaving a shady organization.
- When someone says 足が出る ('the legs come out'), they are not talking about anatomy, but rather that they have gone over budget on an expense.
- In Japanese, 足 can refer to a means of transportation, such as a car or a bicycle, which acts as one's 'legs' for getting around.
Examples in context
- 彼は足が長い。He has long legs.This example shows how to describe someone with long legs using 足.Tatoeba #102691 by bunbuku, translation #287067 by CK
- 足がしびれた。My legs have fallen asleep.This example describes the sensation of legs falling asleep using 足.Tatoeba #139883 by small_snow, translation #9018399 by CK
- 私の足は弱い。My legs are weak.This example describes having weak legs using 足.Tatoeba #1614460 by Meow, translation #1135866 by Scott
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A park after a long walk.
- 陽葵 Himariもう足が痛いです。Mō ashi ga itai desu.My legs are already hurting.
- 健太 Kenta少し休みましょうか。Sukoshi yasumimashō ka.Shall we rest for a bit?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、座りたいです。Hai, suwaritai desu.Yes, I want to sit down.
- 健太 Kentaあそこのベンチに行こう。Asoko no benchi ni ikō.Let's go to that bench over there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 足, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
