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.
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.
He broke his leg and is using crutches.
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.
The doctor told me to use a cane/crutch.
Loanword for Lofstrand crutch (forearm crutch). Used in medical or rehabilitation contexts.
A Lofstrand crutch is a type of cane that supports the forearm.
For her, music is an emotional crutch.
Verb meaning 'to depend on'. Often used with objects like alcohol or drugs when describing a crutch.
He uses alcohol as a crutch.
To rely on. Can be used for a crutch in a milder sense.
He always uses his mother as a crutch.