Translation guide
The English word "leg" maps to several distinct concepts in Japanese, depending on whether you mean the body part, a support, a stage of a journey, or an idiomatic expression. This guide breaks down the most common and useful translations for learners.
Referring to the limb used for standing, walking, or running.
The most common and general word for leg (and foot). Context usually clarifies whether it means leg or foot.
Specifically refers to the leg (from hip to ankle), often used in anatomical or descriptive contexts. The kanji distinguishes it from 足 (foot).
脚の筋肉を鍛える。
I train my leg muscles.
Medical/anatomical term for lower limb.
下肢の骨折。
A fracture of the lower limb.
Referring to the supporting part of a table, chair, etc.
Used for legs of furniture, tripods, etc. Same kanji as anatomical leg but context makes it clear.
テーブルの脚が折れた。
The table leg broke.
この椅子は脚が三本ある。
This chair has three legs.
Referring to a segment of a trip, relay, or competition.
Commonly used for a leg of a relay race or a section of a journey.
駅伝の第一区間を走った。
I ran the first leg of the ekiden relay.
Refers to a leg of a journey or itinerary, often used in travel contexts.
Loanword from English, used in some sports or technical contexts (e.g., sailing, aviation).
レースの第二レグ。
The second leg of the race.
Expressing that something is very expensive.
Idiom meaning 'so expensive your eyes pop out'. Natural equivalent to 'cost an arm and a leg'.
そのバッグは目が飛び出るほど高かった。
That bag cost an arm and a leg.
Means 'exorbitant price'. Less idiomatic but clear.
それは法外な値段だった。
It cost an arm and a leg.
To tease or joke with someone.
General verb for teasing or making fun of someone playfully.
彼は私をからかっているだけだよ。
He's just pulling my leg.
Literally 'to say a joke'. Can be used when someone is not being serious.
冗談を言ってるんでしょ？
You're pulling my leg, right?
Telling someone to hurry.
Wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Standard way to say 'good luck' or 'do your best'. No direct leg idiom exists.
舞台、頑張ってね！
Break a leg on stage!
More formal, 'I pray for your success'.
成功を祈っています。
Break a leg.
To have no valid argument or defense.
Means 'excuses don't hold up'. Natural equivalent.
彼は言い訳が立たなかった。
He didn't have a leg to stand on.
Literally 'no basis/grounds'. More direct.
その主張には根拠がない。
That claim doesn't have a leg to stand on.
English idioms like 'pull someone's leg' or 'break a leg' have no direct Japanese equivalent using the word for leg. Always use the natural Japanese expressions provided.
Both read あし. 足 generally means foot/leg, while 脚 specifically means leg (thigh to ankle). In daily conversation, 足 is more common for the whole lower limb. Use 脚 when you need to be precise, such as in anatomy or describing leg shape.
足が痛い。
My leg hurts.
そのテーブルは脚が四本ある。
The table has four legs.
彼はリレーの最終区間を走った。
He ran the final leg of the relay.
旅の最後の行程は船だった。
The last leg of the trip was by boat.