Translation and Meaning of: 腰 - koshi

The Japanese word 腰[こし] is a common term in everyday vocabulary, but it carries interesting meanings and uses for those studying the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, kanji writing, and how it appears in different cultural and linguistic contexts. If you have ever wondered how to use this word correctly or what its importance is in the Japanese language, keep reading to find out.

In addition to being a fundamental part of the human body, 腰[こし] has metaphorical and expressive applications that reflect aspects of Japanese culture. We will cover its use in simple sentences as well as curiosities about its pronunciation and written representation. If you seek to better understand this word for use in studies or conversations, this guide will help you.

Meaning and use of 腰[こし]

腰 [こし] is translated as "hip" or "waist," but its meaning goes beyond anatomy. In Japan, this word is often used to describe posture, resilience, or even determination in certain expressions. For example, saying that someone has 腰が低い (koshi ga hikui) means that the person is humble, while 腰を据える (koshi wo sueru) indicates that someone is preparing to undertake a task seriously.

In physical contexts, 腰[こし] appears in phrases like 腰が痛い (koshi ga itai), which means "my lower back hurts." This type of expression is common in everyday conversations, especially among older people. The word is also used in technical language, such as in medicine or martial arts, where the posture of the lower back is essential for proper movements.

Writing and origin of the kanji 腰

The kanji 腰 is composed of the radical 月 (nikuzuki), which refers to parts of the body, combined with the component 要 (kaname), meaning "essential" or "important." This combination suggests the idea that the waist is a vital part of the body, both for movement and . The reading こし (koshi) is the most common, but the same kanji can be read as "you" in some rarer compounds.

Interestingly, the kanji 腰 appears in words like 腰痛 (youtsuu), which means "back pain," and 腰掛け (koshikake), which refers to a bench or seat. These examples show how the word is connected to concepts of and structure, both physically and symbolically. Studying these compounds can aid in memorizing the kanji and understanding its practical use.

Tips for memorizing and using 腰[こし]

An effective way to the meaning of 腰[こし] is to associate it with actions involving the waist, such as sitting, standing up, or twisting. Practicing phrases like 腰を回す (koshi wo mawasu - "twist the waist") or 腰を上げる (koshi wo ageru - "stand up") helps solidify the vocabulary. Another tip is to observe the radical 月 in other kanjis related to the body, such as 腹 (hara - "belly") or 脚 (ashi - "leg"), creating mental connections among them.

For those who enjoy anime or Japanese dramas, paying attention to dialogues that mention 腰[こし] can be useful. Characters often complain of lower back pain after long battles or heavy work, which reinforces the everyday use of the word. Watching authentic content is a great way to learn not only the meaning but also the correct intonation in different situations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 腰部 (Yōbu) - Lower back
  • 腰痛 (Yōtsū) - Back pain
  • 腰椎 (Yōtsui) - Lumbar vertebra
  • 腰回り (Yōmawari) - Area around the waist
  • 腰痛症 (Yōtsūshō) - Low back pain disorder
  • 腰痛持ち (Yōtsūmochi) - Person who suffers from back pain
  • 腰痛治療 (Yōtsū chiryō) - Treatment for back pain
  • 腰痛改善 (Yōtsū kaizen) - Improvement of back pain
  • 腰痛対策 (Yōtsū taisaku) - Measures for back pain
  • 腰痛予防 (Yōtsū yobō) - Prevention of back pain
  • 腰痛診断 (Yōtsū shindan) - Diagnosis of back pain
  • 腰痛治療法 (Yōtsū chiryōhō) - Treatment methods for back pain
  • 腰痛緩和 (Yōtsū kanwa) - Back pain relief
  • 腰痛療法 (Yōtsū ryōhō) - Therapies for back pain
  • 腰痛症状 (Yōtsū shōjō) - Symptoms of back pain
  • 腰痛症候群 (Yōtsū shōkōgun) - Back pain syndrome
  • 腰痛症状改善 (Yōtsū shōjō kaizen) - Improvement of back pain symptoms
  • 腰痛症状緩和 (Yōtsū shōjō kanwa) - Relief of back pain symptoms
  • 腰痛症状対策 (Yōtsū shōjō taisaku) - Measures for symptoms of back pain

Related words

腰掛け

koshikake

seat; bench

腰掛ける

koshikakeru

sit down)

ashi

foot; step; to walk; leg

弱い

yowai

weak; fragile; delicate; suit; unqualified; weak (wine)

本気

honki

seriousness; true; holiness

hiza

knee; lap

hara

abdomen; belly; stomach

抜け出す

nukedasu

escape; to run away; to stand out

逃亡

toubou

escape

座る

suwaru

sit

Romaji: koshi
Kana: こし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: hip

Meaning in English: hip

Definition: The waist is the part of the body that connects the trunk and the lower limbs.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (腰) koshi

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (腰) koshi:

Example Sentences - (腰) koshi

See below some example sentences:

腰掛けてゆっくりと休む。

Koshikakete yukkuri to yasumu

Sit and rest slowly.

Sit down and rest slowly.

  • 腰掛けて - sit down
  • ゆっくりと - slowly
  • 休む - rest
腰が痛いです。

Koshi ga itai desu

My waist hurts.

My back hurts.

  • 腰 (koshi) - means "waist" or "lower back"
  • が (ga) - subject particle
  • 痛い (itai) - means "sore" or "ill"
  • です (desu) - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"
転寝すると腰が痛くなる。

Tennen suru to koshi ga itaku naru

If I sleep on my side

When I sleep, my back hurts.

  • 転寝する - means "to change position while sleeping."
  • と - it is a particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship. In this case, "when" or "if".
  • 腰 - means "lower back" or "waist area".
  • が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
  • 痛くなる - means "to feel sore" or "to start to hurt".

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

kado

gate

器官

kikan

body organ); instrument

切っ掛け

kikkake

chance; start; suggestion; sorry; reason; impulse; occasion

iro

color

演説

enzetsu

speech; address

腰