筋肉
kinnikustandard, noun
The ordinary word for "muscle" is 筋肉 (kinniku), and it is also heard in gym talk. Slang for a muscular person is マッチョ (maccho). It is also called マッスル (massuru).
Meaning: muscle, muscular (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 筋肉 | kinniku | standard, noun |
| マッチョ | maccho | slang, muscular person |
| マッスル | massuru | slang, loanword |
マッチョ (maccho) describes a muscular man, as in マッチョな人 (maccho na hito). マッスル (massuru) is a katakana loan used in fun names for gyms and foods. Training is called 筋トレ (kintore), short for 筋肉トレーニング (kinniku toreeningu).
When do people say it?
A popular gym saying is 筋肉は裏切らない (kinniku wa uragiranai), "muscles never betray you".
Did you know?
- The word 筋トレ (kintore) became a wide trend in Japan, and it is a short form most gym users say instead of the full word.
Examples in context
- 彼は筋肉がすごい。Kare wa kinniku ga sugoi.He has amazing muscles.
- あの人はマッチョだね。Ano hito wa maccho da ne.That person is muscular.
- 毎日筋トレしています。Mainichi kintore shiteimasu.I do muscle training every day.
Example conversation
Sho and Daiki are at a gym.
- Sho最近、筋トレしてるの?Saikin, kintore shiteru no?Are you working out lately?
- Daikiうん、毎日だよ。Un, mainichi da yo.Yes, every day.
- Shoマッチョになったね。Maccho ni natta ne.You have become muscular.
