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.
The extremities of my fingers are cold.
Terminal end or periphery, often used in formal or technical contexts (e.g., nerve endings, remote areas).
The nerve extremities were damaged.
Extreme limit or ultimate boundary, often used for abstract extremities like limits of endurance.
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.
I feel numbness in my extremities.
Everyday term for hands and feet. More casual than 四肢.
Peripheral parts, used in medical contexts to refer to extremities (hands/feet).
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).
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.
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.
My extremities get cold.
He was driven to extremity.