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.
膝の関節が痛い。
My knee joint hurts.
ロボットの腕の関節は滑らかに動く。
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.
パイプの継ぎ目から水が漏れている。
Water is leaking from the pipe joint.
A technical term for a junction or connection point, used in engineering and construction.
橋の接合部を点検する。
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.
あの店はいつも混んでいる。
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'.
これは共同プロジェクトです。
This is a joint project.
両社は共同で新製品を開発した。
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.
Literally 'meat with bone'. The closest equivalent for a joint of meat like a leg of lamb or a roast.
骨付き肉をオーブンで焼く。
Roast a joint of meat in the oven.
A chunk or block of meat. Can be used for a large roast, but doesn't necessarily imply bone.
塊肉を買ってきて、ローストビーフを作った。
I bought a joint of meat and made roast beef.
A rolled cigarette containing cannabis.
The loanword is widely understood in Japanese slang for a marijuana cigarette.
彼はジョイントを回した。
He passed the joint around.
A more descriptive term, but less common than ジョイント.
警察はマリファナタバコを押収した。
The police seized marijuana joints.
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.
共同口座を開こう。
Let's open a joint bank account.
肩の関節がこっている。
My shoulder joint is stiff.
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.