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.
傷口から肉が見えている。
You can see the flesh through the wound.
彼は太っていて、肉が余っている。
He is fat and has excess flesh.
Refers to skin or the surface of the flesh. Often used in contexts of touch or appearance.
彼女の肌は柔らかい。
Her flesh is soft. (Her skin is soft.)
The material human body, often contrasted with the soul or spirit.
The physical body, often used in philosophical or religious contexts.
霊は進んででも、肉体は弱い。
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Can mean body or flesh in a more literary or set-phrase context.
身も心も清らかだ。
Pure in both flesh and spirit.
The soft, juicy part of a fruit or vegetable that is eaten.
Specifically the flesh of fruit.
この桃は果肉が厚い。
This peach has thick flesh.
Can refer to the flesh or pulp of fruit, as well as the fruit itself.
アボカドの実をスプーンでくり抜く。
Scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon.
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.
実物の彼女はもっと綺麗だ。
She is even more beautiful in the flesh.
Means 'live' or 'in person', often used for seeing performers.
生で見ると迫力が違う。
Seeing him in the flesh is much more powerful.
The idiom 'flesh and blood' referring to one's family or relatives.
Blood relative, close family.
彼は私の肉親だ。
He is my own flesh and blood.
Literally 'connected by blood', used as an adjective.
血の繋がった兄弟のように感じる。
I feel like they are my flesh and blood brothers.
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.