Translation guide
The English word 'chest' can refer to a part of the body or a storage box. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
The front part of the human torso, from the neck to the abdomen.
The most common and general word for 'chest'. It can refer to the chest area, including the breasts, and is also used metaphorically for feelings (heart).
胸が痛いです。
My chest hurts.
彼は胸を張って歩いた。
He walked with his chest puffed out.
A more technical or medical term for the chest region. Used in formal or clinical contexts.
胸部レントゲンを撮りましょう。
Let's take a chest X-ray.
A large, sturdy box with a lid, used for storing things.
General word for 'box'. Can be used for a chest, but may need context to specify a large, sturdy box.
おもちゃを箱に片付けて。
Put the toys away in the chest.
Loanword from English, specifically meaning a chest of drawers or a storage chest. Common in furniture contexts.
Traditional Japanese chest of drawers, often for clothing. Can be used for a chest in a bedroom.
着物をたんすにしまう。
I store kimonos in the chest.
An old-fashioned or traditional chest, often wooden and sometimes used for rice or valuables. Rare in modern conversation.
古い櫃から巻物が出てきた。
A scroll came out of the old chest.
While 胸 (むね) can refer to the breasts, it is a general term for the chest area. おっぱい is a more direct, often childish or slang term for breasts and can be inappropriate in formal contexts.
胸 is often used in expressions related to emotions, similar to 'heart' in English. For example, 胸がドキドキする (my heart is pounding) or 胸がいっぱいになる (to be overwhelmed with emotion).
I bought a new chest.