Translation guide
The English word "extremity" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: the furthest point or limit, a body part like a hand or foot, and an extreme state or measure. It also notes the plural form "extremities" for body parts.
Referring to the farthest end, edge, or boundary of something physical or abstract.
General word for 'end' or 'edge' of something, often used for physical extremities.
ロープの端を持ってください。
Please hold the extremity of the rope.
Tip or pointed end, often used for extremities of objects like sticks, fingers, or technology.
指の先端が冷たい。
The extremities of my fingers are cold.
Terminal end or periphery, often used in formal or technical contexts (e.g., nerve endings, remote areas).
神経の末端が損傷した。
The nerve extremities were damaged.
Extreme limit or ultimate boundary, often used for abstract extremities like limits of endurance.
彼は疲労の極限に達した。
He reached the extremity of exhaustion.
Referring to the hands and feet, often in medical or anatomical contexts. Usually used in plural form 'extremities'.
Medical/anatomical term for the four limbs. Commonly used in formal contexts.
四肢のしびれを感じる。
I feel numbness in my extremities.
Everyday term for hands and feet. More casual than 四肢.
手足が冷える。
My extremities get cold.
Peripheral parts, used in medical contexts to refer to extremities (hands/feet).
末端部の血流が悪い。
Blood flow to the extremities is poor.
Referring to an extreme degree of something, often hardship, emotion, or action.
Extreme degree; often used with nouns like 疲労 (fatigue) or 緊張 (tension).
極度の疲労で倒れた。
He collapsed from extremity of fatigue.
Desperate situation or predicament; extremity in the sense of a dire circumstance.
Last resort; an extreme measure taken when all else fails.
それは最後の手段だ。
That is an extremity we should avoid.
In English, 'extremities' often refers to hands and feet. In Japanese, use 四肢 (しし) or 手足 (てあし). Do not use 端 (はし) for body parts.
端 (はし) is the general word for 'end'. 先端 (せんたん) emphasizes the tip or pointed end. 末端 (まったん) is more formal/technical for terminal ends or periphery.
He was driven to extremity.