Translation guide
The English word "joint" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a connection between parts (body or mechanical), a place where people gather (slang), a shared activity, and a cut of meat. It also warns against literal translations that sound unnatural in Japanese.
Referring to the point where two bones meet, or where two parts of a structure are joined.
The standard term for a body joint (e.g., knee, elbow). Also used in mechanical contexts for articulated joints.
My knee joint hurts.
The joints of the robot's arm move smoothly.
Refers to a seam or joint where two things are joined, especially in carpentry, metalwork, or pipes. Not for body parts.
Water is leaking from the pipe joint.
A technical term for a junction or connection point, used in engineering and construction.
Inspect the joints of the bridge.
Informal term for a place where people gather, often a bar, nightclub, or cheap restaurant.
The most general and safe word for 'place' in this sense. Use with context to convey the informal tone.
That joint is always crowded.
Specifically a bar or pub. Closer to the slang 'joint' for a drinking place.
A Japanese-style pub. Often used when the 'joint' is a casual izakaya.
A hangout or gathering spot, often with a slightly negative or secretive nuance. Not for a commercial establishment.
Something done together by two or more people or groups.
Means 'joint' as in shared. Used before nouns like 'project', 'effort', 'venture'.
This is a joint project.
The two companies jointly developed a new product.
Often used for joint events, exercises, or meetings. Implies combining into one.
Emphasizes cooperation. Often used in 'cooperative' or 'collaborative' contexts, but less common than 共同.
A large piece of meat for roasting, often containing a bone.
A rolled cigarette containing cannabis.
Do not use ジョイント to mean a bar or club. It will not be understood. Use 店, 飲み屋, or a specific type of place instead.
共同 (きょうどう) is the most general for 'joint' as in shared. 合同 (ごうどう) implies merging or combining into one event/group. 協同 (きょうどう) emphasizes cooperation and is less common.
Let's open a joint bank account.
My shoulder joint is stiff.
駅前にいい飲み屋があるんだ。
There's a nice little joint in front of the station.
あの居酒屋、安くてうまいんだ。
That joint is cheap and good.
あの公園は若者のたまり場になっている。
That park has become a hangout joint for young people.
明日は合同練習がある。
We have a joint practice tomorrow.
協同組合を設立する。
Establish a joint cooperative.
I bought a joint of meat and made roast beef.