Translation guide
How to express 'both arms' naturally in Japanese, depending on context.
Referring to both of someone's arms as body parts.
The most common and neutral way to say 'both arms'. Used in everyday speech and writing.
He raised both arms.
Both arms hurt.
Literally 'both hands', but often used when the action involves the hands/arms together. Can imply the whole arm in context.
Please spread both arms (hands).
More explicit: 'both of the arms'. Slightly more formal or emphatic.
I'm carrying bags in both arms.
Describing an action done using both arms.
Talking about both arms in a medical or injury situation.
両腕 (ryoude) specifically means both arms, while 両手 (ryoute) means both hands. However, in many actions like hugging or carrying, 両手 is used naturally even when the arms are involved. Use 両腕 when you want to emphasize the arms themselves (e.g., pain, injury, raising arms).