If you are studying medicine in Japan, a curious Japanese learner interested in anatomy, or just randomly wanted to learn the bones of the human body in Japanese, you have come to the right place!
Today’s blog post goes beyond basic Japanese vocabulary. You will learn a different side of the Japanese language, which is related to anatomy. You will learn the names of the bones of the human body in Japanese, from head to toe. But if you want to learn Japanese words for body parts, too, we have a separate blog post about body parts in Japanese, so check it out if that’s what you are looking for because this one is only about bones!
Table of Contents:
- What Is The Japanese Kanji For Bone?
- Bones Of The Human Body In Japanese
- The Bones In Upper Body – 上半身 (Jōhanshin)
- Rib Cage And Spine – 胸郭と背骨 (Kyōkaku To Sebone)
- Bones In The Lower Body – 下半身 (Kahanshin)
- Related Bone Terminology In Japanese
- More Japanese Vocabulary For Bones In The Human Body
- Final Words
What Is The Japanese Kanji For Bone?
The Japanese kanji for bone is “骨” (hone). It’s commonly used in words related to bones or skeletal structures.
Bones Of The Human Body In Japanese
So, let’s start learning Japanese bone terminology starting from the top and take it step by step:
The Bones In The Upper Body – 上半身 (Jōhanshin)
Skull – 頭蓋骨 (Zugai-Kotsu): The skull, also known as the head bone, is like a helmet protecting our brain from injuries. It is a natural protection for the most crucial organ in the human body, the brain.
Jaw – 顎 (Ago): The jaw bone gives a structure to our mouth and chin and supports the movement of lower teeth. Without “ago” we wouldn’t speak and eat properly.
Neck Vertebrae – 頸椎 (Keitsui): The neck vertebrae play a crucial role in supporting the head. It helps move our heads smoothly, for example, when making those affirming nods or shaking our heads when we say say “no.”
Collar Bone-鎖骨 (Sakotsu): The collar bone functions as a bridge connecting our upper body and arms. It perfectly supports and helps move our arms.
Shoulder Blade-肩甲骨 (Kenkōkotsu): The shoulder blade connects the collarbone to the upper arm, forming the shoulder joint, which helps us make all the hand gestures.
Arm and Hand Bones – 腕と手の骨 (Ude To Te No Hone): Arm and hand bones are the most functional tools of our body, like chopsticks or forks used to grab and use things, eat, clean, and cook, etc.
Rib Cage And Spine – 胸郭と背骨 (Kyōkaku To Sebone)
Rib – リブ (Ribu): The ribs help protect our vital organs such as the heart and lungs, they absorb shocks, and minimize the damage.
Sternum – 胸骨 (Kyōkotsu): Sternum is a bone that we feel at the center of our chest. Its job is to securely connect the ribs and guard the vital organs.
Spine – 脊椎 (Sekitsui): The spine forms the backbone of our body. It provides support, strength, and flexibility, helping us do anything in our everyday lives, from walking to dancing!
Bones In The Lower Body – 下半身 (Kahanshin)
Hip Bone – 股関節の骨 (Kokansetsu no hone): The hip bone and hip joint create a stable base for our body. It connects the parts of the lower body to the parts of the upper body, helping us to make movements easily and comfortably.
Legs and Feet Bones – 脚と足の骨 (Ashi to ashi no hone): Legs and feet are the tools that help us do strolls in the park to do karate sessions. They provide our body with more mobility and balance.
Related Bone Terminology In Japanese
Bone Marrow – 骨髄 (kotsuzui): Soft, fatty substance found inside bones, responsible for producing blood cells.
Bone Fracture – 骨折 (kossetsu): A break or crack in a bone, often caused by injury or trauma.
Osteoporosis – 骨粗鬆症 (kotsuso shoushou): A medical condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
Cartilage – 軟骨 (nankotsu): Flexible connective tissue found in joints, providing cushioning and support.
Joint – 関節 (kansetsu): The point where two or more bones meet, allowing for movement and flexibility.
Ligament – 靭帯 (jindai): Tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other, providing stability to joints.
Tendon – 腱 (ken): Fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones, enabling movement and strength.
Arthritis – 関節炎 (kansetsu-en): Inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
More Japanese Vocabulary For Bones In The Human Body
Here are other Japanese vocabulary related to the bones of the human body:
| English | Japanese Kanji | Japanese Hiragana | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skull | 頭蓋骨 | ずがい こ つ | Zugai-kotsu |
| Mandible | 顎骨 | がっこつ | Gak-kotsu |
| Scapula | 肩甲骨 | けんこうこつ | Kenkō-kotsu |
| Humerus | 腕骨 | わんこつ | Wan-kotsu |
| Radius | 尺骨 | しゃっこつ | Shaku-kotsu |
| Ulna | 橈骨 | とうこつ | Tō-kotsu |
| Carpal bones | 手首骨 | て く び こつ | Tekubi-kotsu |
| Phalanges | 指骨 | ゆびこつ | Yubi-kotsu |
| Sternum | 胸骨 | きょうこつ | Kyō-kotsu |
| Ribs | 肋骨 | ろっこつ | Rokkotsu |
| Vertebrae | 脊椎骨 | せきついこつ | Sekitsui-kotsu |
| Sacrum | 仙骨 | せんこつ | Senkotsu |
| Coccyx | 尾骨 | びこつ | Bi-kotsu |
| Clavicle | 鎖骨 | くびわ | Kubiwa |
| Pelvis | 腰骨 | ようこつ | Yō-kotsu |
| Femur | 大腿骨 | だいたいこつ | Daitai-kotsu |
| Tibia | 脛骨 | けいこつ | Kei-kotsu |
| Fibula | 腓骨 | ひこつ | Hi-kotsu |
| Tarsal bones | 足首骨 | あしくびこつ | Ashikubi-kotsu |
| Calcaneus | 距骨 | きょこつ | Kyo-kotsu |
| Cranium | 頭蓋 | とうがい | Tougai |
| Spinal column | 脊柱 | せきちゅう | Sekichuu |
| Cervical vertebrae | 頸椎 | けいつい | Keitsui |
| Thoracic vertebrae | 胸椎 | きょうつい | Kyoutsui |
| Lumbar vertebrae | 腰椎 | ようつい | Youtsui |
| Sacrum | 仙骨 | せんこつ | Senkotsu |
| Coccyx | 尾骨 | びこつ | Bikotsu |
| Mandible | 下顎骨 | かがくこつ | Kagakukotsu |
| Manubrium | 胸骨柄 | きょうこつへい | Kyoukotsuhei |
| Sternum | 胸骨 | きょうこつ | Kyoukotsu |
| Pelvic girdle | 腰帯 | こしおび | Koshiobi |
| Carpals | 手根 | てね | Tene |
| Metacarpals | 中手 | なかて | Nakate |
| Phalanges | 指骨 | ゆ び こつ | Yubikotsu |
| Patella | 膝蓋骨 | しつがいこつ | Shitsugaikotsu |
| Fibula | 腓骨 | ひこつ | Hikotsu |
| Metatarsals | 中足骨 | ちゅうそっこつ | Chuusokkotsu |
| Thigh bone | 大腿骨 | Dai taikotsu | Dai taikotsu |
| Calf bone | ふくらはぎの骨 | Fuku-ra hagi no hone | Fuku-ra hagi no hone |
If you want to be able to learn these Japanese words in context naturally, use the Ling app to learn more Japanese phrases suitable for everyday life!
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Learning the bones of the human body in Japanese isn’t just about language learning—it’s about getting to know ourselves better. From our skull protecting our brain to our hip bone supporting our movements, each bone plays a crucial role in how we function.
Exploring these terms isn’t just educational; it’s like uncovering a roadmap to understanding our bodies and how they work. So whether you’re into medicine, languages, or just intrigued by anatomy, learning these bone-related words in Japanese adds a whole new layer of understanding to your journey.
