Translation guide
The joints of the fingers, especially where they connect to the hand, or the rounded back of a bent finger.
Referring to the knuckles as body parts, especially the joints connecting fingers to the hand.
General anatomical term for finger joints, including knuckles. Neutral and widely understood.
指関節を曲げると音が鳴る。
My knuckles crack when I bend them.
Refers to the fist, but often used in contexts involving the knuckles, like cracking knuckles or punching.
拳の骨を鳴らす癖がある。
I have a habit of cracking my knuckles.
Loanword from English, used in sports like baseball (knuckleball) or martial arts. Not common for everyday anatomy.
彼はナックルボールを投げる。
He throws a knuckleball.
The rounded part of a finger when it is bent, often used for knocking or rubbing.
Literally 'back of the finger', used for the knuckle surface when knocking or rubbing.
指の背でドアをノックした。
I knocked on the door with my knuckle.
More precise: 'back of the finger joint'. Used when clarity is needed.
指の関節の背でこする。
Rub with the knuckle.
The act of making a popping sound by bending finger joints.
Common phrase for cracking knuckles. Literally 'make fingers sound'.
彼はよく指を鳴らす。
He often cracks his knuckles.
More specific: 'crack the bones of the fist'. Emphasizes the knuckle area.
拳の骨を鳴らすのはやめたほうがいい。
You should stop cracking your knuckles.
A cut of meat from the leg joint of an animal, like pork or beef knuckle.
Refers to shank or shin meat, often used for the knuckle cut in cooking.
豚のすね肉を煮込む。
Braise pork knuckle.
Used in culinary contexts as a loanword, e.g., 'ポークナックル'.
While '指関節' is correct, in casual conversation Japanese speakers often refer to the specific finger (e.g., '人差し指の関節') rather than a generic 'knuckle'. Using 'ナックル' for anatomy sounds unnatural.
ポークナックルはドイツ料理で人気だ。
Pork knuckle is popular in German cuisine.