Translation guide
A crutch is a support used to help someone walk when they have an injured leg or foot. In Japanese, the most common word is 松葉杖 (まつばづえ), but there are other terms depending on the type and context.
The physical object used to assist walking when one leg is injured.
Something a person relies on excessively for emotional or psychological support, often implying weakness.
Literally 'heart's support'. A natural way to express emotional reliance without negative connotation. Can be used positively.
彼女にとって、音楽は心の支えだ。
For her, music is an emotional crutch.
Avoid directly translating 'crutch' as 松葉杖 in figurative contexts. It will sound like a physical object, not a psychological support. Use phrases like 心の支え or 依存する instead.
The standard term for underarm crutches, the most common type in Japan. Literally 'pine-needle cane' due to the forked shape.
彼は足を骨折して、松葉杖をついている。
He broke his leg and is using crutches.
松葉杖なしでは歩けません。
I can't walk without crutches.
General word for cane or walking stick. Can refer to a crutch in context, but more commonly means a single-point cane. Use 松葉杖 for clarity.
医者に杖を使うように言われた。
The doctor told me to use a cane/crutch.
Loanword for Lofstrand crutch (forearm crutch). Used in medical or rehabilitation contexts.
ロフストランドクラッチは前腕で支えるタイプの杖です。
A Lofstrand crutch is a type of cane that supports the forearm.
Verb meaning 'to depend on'. Often used with objects like alcohol or drugs when describing a crutch.
彼は酒に依存している。
He uses alcohol as a crutch.
To rely on. Can be used for a crutch in a milder sense.
彼はいつも母親を頼りにしている。
He always uses his mother as a crutch.