Translation guide
The organ that filters blood. In Japanese, the word 腎臓 (じんぞう) is the standard medical and everyday term. In culinary contexts, マメ (まめ) or レバー (ればー) may be used, but these are less common for kidney specifically.
Referring to the kidney as an organ in the body, in medical or everyday contexts.
Standard term for kidney in both medical and everyday language.
Referring to kidney as food, typically from pig, cow, or sheep.
Common term for kidney in culinary contexts, especially for grilled or stewed dishes. Often used for pig kidney.
In English, 'kidney' and 'liver' are distinct. In Japanese, レバー (rebaa) usually means liver, while マメ (mame) means kidney. Be careful when ordering at restaurants.
At yakitori or izakaya, マメ is the safest word for kidney. If you see レバー, it's likely liver. Some menus may write 腎臓 (じんぞう) for clarity.
腎臓は血液をろ過する臓器です。
The kidneys are organs that filter blood.
He was hospitalized for a kidney disease.
Often used in compound medical terms, such as 腎炎 (nephritis) or 腎不全 (renal failure). Less common as a standalone word.
Kidney function is declining.
I ordered kidney at the yakitori restaurant.
Usually means liver, but can sometimes refer to kidney in certain contexts, especially in set meals or izakaya menus. Clarify if needed.
Primarily means liver; may cause confusion if not specified.
Stir-fried liver and kidney.
Can be used for food, but sounds clinical. Usually only in formal or written descriptions.
A dish made with pig kidney.