Translation guide
The English word "flesh" can refer to the soft substance of the body, the physical body as opposed to the spirit, the edible part of fruit or vegetables, or the human body with its physical needs and desires. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the soft tissue of the body, including muscle and fat, as opposed to bones and skin.
The most common and general word for flesh or meat. Can refer to human flesh, animal flesh, or meat as food.
You can see the flesh through the wound.
Refers to skin or the surface of the flesh. Often used in contexts of touch or appearance.
The material human body, often contrasted with the soul or spirit.
The soft, juicy part of a fruit or vegetable that is eaten.
Specifically the flesh of fruit.
The body as the seat of physical appetites and desires, especially sexual.
The idiom 'in the flesh' meaning to see or meet someone in person.
Used as an adjective meaning 'real' or 'actual', often for seeing someone famous in person.
The idiom 'flesh and blood' referring to one's family or relatives.
Blood relative, close family.
While 肉 (にく) is the most direct translation, it primarily means 'meat' and can sound odd in contexts like 'flesh of fruit' or 'spirit vs. flesh'. Use the specific terms provided.
肉体 (にくたい) emphasizes the physical, carnal aspect, while 身体 (しんたい) is a more neutral term for the body. Use 肉体 for 'flesh' in philosophical/religious contrasts.
He is fat and has excess flesh.
Her flesh is soft. (Her skin is soft.)
The physical body, often used in philosophical or religious contexts.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Can mean body or flesh in a more literary or set-phrase context.
Pure in both flesh and spirit.
This peach has thick flesh.
Can refer to the flesh or pulp of fruit, as well as the fruit itself.
Scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon.
Carnal desires, lust.
He gave in to the desires of the flesh.
Literally 'desires of the flesh', a more explicit phrase.
Suppress the lusts of the flesh.
She is even more beautiful in the flesh.
Means 'live' or 'in person', often used for seeing performers.
Seeing him in the flesh is much more powerful.
He is my own flesh and blood.
Literally 'connected by blood', used as an adjective.
I feel like they are my flesh and blood brothers.