Translation guide
The English word "lap" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the upper legs when sitting, one circuit of a track or race, and the action of a liquid gently hitting something. Less common meanings like overlapping or polishing are also included.
The area on top of the thighs when a person is seated, often where a child or object rests.
The most common word for 'lap' in this sense. Note that 膝 also means 'knee', but context makes it clear. Often used with particles like に or の上に.
子供を膝に乗せた。
I put the child on my lap.
A cat is sleeping on my lap.
Literally 'on top of the knees/lap'. This phrase explicitly refers to the surface of the lap and is very natural.
I placed a book on my lap.
A single complete trip around a racecourse, track, or circuit.
Counter for laps or rounds. Used with numbers: 1周 (one lap), 2周 (two laps).
One more lap to go.
He ran five laps around the track.
Loanword from English, commonly used in sports contexts like racing or swimming. Often used with counters or as a noun.
The sound or action of water or another liquid lightly and repeatedly touching a surface, like waves against a shore.
Verb meaning 'to lap against', used for waves washing onto the shore. Often used as 波が打ち寄せる.
The waves were lapping against the shore.
Onomatopoeic phrase describing the light splashing or lapping sound of water. Often used for small waves or a pet drinking.
The dog is lapping up water.
Means 'to lick'. Can be used for animals lapping up liquids, but is less specific to the sound.
A part of something that extends over another part, like in clothing or materials.
The act of polishing a surface using a lap (tool) or the process of lapping.
The word 膝 can mean both 'knee' and 'lap'. To be clear you are talking about the lap, use phrases like 膝の上 (on the lap) or context like sitting down. If you need to specify the knee joint, use 膝関節 (しつかんせつ) in medical contexts.
He picked up speed on the final lap.
The cat is lapping up the milk.
Fix the lap of the jacket.
Lap the lens.