Translation guide
The body part where the thigh and lower leg meet. In Japanese, the most common word is ひざ (膝). It can also refer to the lap or the act of kneeling.
The joint between the thigh and lower leg.
The standard word for 'knee' in Japanese. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
転んで膝を擦りむいた。
I fell and scraped my knee.
膝が痛い。
My knee hurts.
The upper surface of the thighs when sitting, often used for holding things or people.
The same word 膝 can also mean 'lap' in context. Often used with verbs like 乗せる (to place on) or 抱く (to hold).
子供を膝に乗せる。
Put a child on one's lap.
猫が膝の上で寝ている。
The cat is sleeping on my lap.
Literally 'on the knees', this phrase specifically means 'on one's lap'.
膝の上に本を置く。
Put a book on one's lap.
The act of kneeling or the posture of sitting on one's knees, especially in traditional Japanese contexts.
The formal Japanese sitting posture where one kneels with legs folded underneath the thighs. Often used in traditional settings.
正座をして挨拶する。
Greet while sitting in seiza.
To kneel down, often implying submission, exhaustion, or a formal gesture.
疲れて膝をついた。
I was so tired I fell to my knees.
Literally 'to fold the knees', meaning to kneel or sit down in a kneeling position. Somewhat literary.
Expressions involving 'knee' that are not literal body parts.
To slap one's knee, often in realization or amusement. Equivalent to 'Ah, I see!' or 'That's it!'
名案に膝を打った。
He slapped his knee at the brilliant idea.
Colloquial expression meaning one's knees are shaking or buckling, often from fear or exhaustion. Literally 'knees are laughing'.
膝 (ひざ) means knee, while 肘 (ひじ) means elbow. They sound similar but refer to different joints.
彼は静かに膝を折った。
He quietly knelt down.
To have a heart-to-heart talk, sitting close together. Literally 'to mix knees'.
友人と膝を交えて話す。
Have a heart-to-heart talk with a friend.
怖くて膝が笑ってる。
I'm so scared my knees are shaking.