Translation guide
The largest toe on the foot. In Japanese, the big toe is commonly referred to as 親指 (oyayubi), literally 'parent finger/toe', or more specifically 足の親指 (ashi no oyayubi) when distinction from the thumb is needed. There is also a native Japanese term 拇 (obo) and its variant 拇趾 (boshi), but these are technical or literary.
Refer to the largest toe on the foot in everyday conversation.
The most common and natural way to say 'big toe' in Japanese. Literally 'foot's parent finger'. Used in daily conversation and writing.
I stubbed my big toe.
I got a blister on my big toe.
Can mean either 'thumb' or 'big toe' depending on context. When the context is clearly about feet, it's understood as 'big toe'. Use 足の親指 to avoid ambiguity.
Ambiguous without context; can refer to thumb. Use 足の親指 for clarity.
My right big toe/thumb hurts.
A kanji character meaning 'thumb' or 'big toe'. Rarely used alone; appears in compounds like 拇印 (boin, thumbprint) or 拇趾 (boshi).
To affix a thumbprint.
Medical/anatomical term for 'big toe'. Not used in everyday language.
I had surgery for hallux valgus.
親指 (oyayubi) alone can mean either thumb or big toe. In most contexts, it defaults to thumb unless feet are clearly the topic. To be unambiguous, always use 足の親指 (ashi no oyayubi) for 'big toe'.
The thumb is dexterous.
The big toe is important for balance.