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.
My arch hurts.
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.
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'.
Don't forget to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet.
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.
The part of a shoe that covers the top of the foot.
Refers to the upper part of a shoe that covers the instep.
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.
I have a cramp in my arch.
The top of my foot is swollen.
These shoes are for people with low insteps.