Translation guide
The joint between the upper and lower arm, and related actions or expressions.
Referring to the elbow as a part of the body.
The standard word for 'elbow' in Japanese. Used in everyday conversation.
I bumped my elbow.
My elbow hurts.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts like engineering or sports (e.g., pipe elbow, elbow guard). Not used for the body part in everyday language.
Using the elbow to push or nudge someone, often to get attention.
Referring to the part of a sleeve that covers the elbow.
Can also refer to the elbow area of clothing, especially when talking about patches or wear.
This jacket has patches on the elbows.
Expressing the idea of having enough space to move freely.
Literally 'to spread one's elbows', meaning to take up space or act arrogantly. Can be used to describe someone who is overbearing.
He always walks around with his elbows out (acting arrogantly).
Literally 'elbow gun', meaning a sharp elbow strike or a strong rejection/refusal. Often used figuratively.
Referring to hard physical effort, especially in cleaning or manual work.
Means 'physical strength' or 'brute force'. Used when talking about putting in physical effort.
You need some elbow grease to get this dirt off.
General word for 'effort'. Can be used in contexts where 'elbow grease' means hard work.
The English idiom 'elbow room' (space to move) does not translate directly to 肘の部屋 (hiji no heya). Instead, use 余地 (yochi) or スペース (supēsu) for physical space, or ゆとり (yutori) for breathing room.
I need a little more elbow room.
I was pushed by someone's elbow on the crowded train.
When I asked her out, she gave me the elbow (rejected me sharply).
成功するには努力が必要だ。
Success requires elbow grease.