Translation guide
The instep is the arched upper part of the foot between the toes and the ankle. In Japanese, the most common word is 土踏まず (tsuchifumazu), which specifically refers to the arch. For the top surface of the foot, 足の甲 (ashi no kou) is used. These terms are not interchangeable, so it's important to distinguish between the arch and the top of the foot.
The curved underside of the foot that doesn't touch the ground when standing.
The standard word for the arch of the foot. Literally 'earth not stepping', referring to the part that doesn't touch the ground.
土踏まずが痛いです。
My arch hurts.
土踏まずを鍛える運動をしています。
I'm doing exercises to strengthen my arches.
Literally 'arch of the sole of the foot'. Used in medical or fitness contexts, often when discussing arch support or flat feet.
この靴は足の裏のアーチをサポートします。
These shoes support the arch of the foot.
The upper surface of the foot, from the ankle to the toes.
The most common way to refer to the top of the foot. 甲 (kou) means 'instep' or 'upper surface'.
足の甲に日焼け止めを塗るのを忘れないで。
Don't forget to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet.
新しい靴が足の甲に当たって痛い。
My new shoes rub against the top of my foot and it hurts.
Can be used alone in contexts where the foot is already understood, such as shoe fitting or anatomy. Often appears in compound words.
この靴は甲が低い人向けです。
These shoes are for people with low insteps.
The part of a shoe that covers the top of the foot.
Refers to the upper part of a shoe that covers the instep.
靴の甲の部分がきついです。
The instep part of the shoe is tight.
土踏まず (tsuchifumazu) is the arch on the sole, while 足の甲 (ashi no kou) is the top of the foot. They are distinct body parts and are not interchangeable. Using the wrong term can cause confusion, especially in medical or shoe-fitting contexts.
土踏まずがつる。
I have a cramp in my arch.
足の甲がむくんでいる。
The top of my foot is swollen.