Translation guide
In Japanese, 'appendage' can refer to body parts like limbs or tails, attachments to objects, or figurative additions. The most common translations depend on context: 手足 for limbs, 付属物 for attached objects, and 付録 for supplements.
Referring to a projecting part of an animal's body, such as arms, legs, tails, or antennae.
My hands and feet went numb from the cold.
Technical term for limb, used in biology or anatomy. Often in compounds like 前肢 (forelimb) or 後肢 (hindlimb).
This animal's forelimbs are short.
Biological term for appendage, such as antennae or mouthparts. Used in scientific contexts.
Insect appendages have diverse functions.
A part that is attached to a larger object, like an accessory or add-on.
Something added to a main thing, like an appendix in a book or an extra part.
Appendix or supplement to a book, magazine, or document. Also used for freebies attached to magazines.
The book's appendix contains a map.
Literally 'added part', used for any supplementary section. Neutral and clear.
Something added on; can be used figuratively but less common. Slightly formal.
A person who is attached to another in a dependent or subordinate role.
Colloquial term for something extra or a person tagging along, often with a nuance of being unnecessary. Can be playful or derogatory.
He always tags along like an appendage to his older brother.
Can be used metaphorically for a person who is like an attachment. Somewhat cold or objective.
When referring to human limbs, use 手足 (てあし) instead of a literal translation of 'appendage'. 付属肢 is strictly biological and sounds odd for humans.
I stretched my limbs and relaxed.
付属品 (ふぞくひん) is the most common word for physical attachments or accessories. 付属物 (ふぞくぶつ) is slightly more formal and can be used abstractly. In everyday speech, 付属品 is preferred.
Please check all the machine's attachments.
Loanword from English, often used for tool or appliance attachments. Common in product descriptions.
Replace the blender attachment.
Please read the additional part of the contract.
New features were added as appendages to this system.
He is treated like an appendage of the company.
Literally 'waist pouch', idiom for a person who always follows someone around, a hanger-on. Slightly old-fashioned.
He's the president's appendage.