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.
Common word for hands and feet; often used collectively for limbs. Natural in everyday speech.
寒さで手足がかじかんだ。
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).
この動物の前肢は短い。
This animal's forelimbs are short.
Biological term for appendage, such as antennae or mouthparts. Used in scientific contexts.
昆虫の付属肢は多様な機能を持つ。
Insect appendages have diverse functions.
A part that is attached to a larger object, like an accessory or add-on.
General term for accessories or attachments that come with a main item. Very common.
この掃除機には多くの付属品が付いています。
This vacuum cleaner comes with many attachments.
Similar to 付属品 but slightly more formal or written. Refers to attached objects or appendages.
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.
この本の付録に地図が載っている。
The book's appendix contains a map.
Literally 'added part', used for any supplementary section. Neutral and clear.
契約書の追加部分を読んでください。
Please read the additional part of the contract.
Something added on; can be used figuratively but less common. Slightly formal.
このシステムの付加物として新しい機能が追加された。
New features were added as appendages to this system.
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.
彼はいつも兄のおまけみたいについてくる。
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.
手足を伸ばしてリラックスした。
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.
機械の付属物をすべて確認してください。
Please check all the machine's attachments.
Loanword from English, often used for tool or appliance attachments. Common in product descriptions.
ミキサーのアタッチメントを交換する。
Replace the blender attachment.
彼は会社の付属物のように扱われている。
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.
彼は社長の腰巾着だ。
He's the president's appendage.