Translation guide
The lower part of the back, roughly from the ribcage to the pelvis. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the word 腰 (こし), but the exact phrasing depends on context such as pain, body description, or clothing fit.
Referring to the lower back as a body part in everyday conversation, anatomy, or description.
The standard, all-purpose word for the lower back. Covers the area from the waist to the hips. Used in health, clothing, and daily life.
My lower back hurts.
彼は腰に手を当てた。
He put his hands on his lower back.
More anatomical or medical term for the lumbar region. Common in healthcare contexts.
腰部の筋肉を鍛える。
Strengthen the muscles of the lower back.
Talking about lower back pain, a common complaint.
The standard medical/formal term for lower back pain. Used in clinics, health articles, and everyday conversation.
腰痛で病院に行った。
I went to the hospital for lower back pain.
最近、腰痛がひどい。
Lately, my lower back pain has been severe.
Casual, direct way to say 'my lower back hurts.' Very common in daily speech.
昨日から腰が痛くて。
My lower back has been hurting since yesterday.
Describing how clothing fits around the waist/hip area, often in fashion or tailoring.
Loanword from English 'waist,' used for clothing measurements. Note: ウエスト usually refers to the natural waist, which is above the lower back, but in context of pants/skirts it often overlaps with the lower back area.
このズボンはウエストがきつい。
These pants are tight around the waist/lower back.
Refers to the circumference around the hips/lower back. Used in clothing sizes and body measurements.
Referring to supporting the lower back, e.g., with a cushion or belt.
Common compound using 腰 + English 'support.' Used for cushions, chairs, belts.
この椅子は腰サポートが良い。
This chair has good lower back support.
A pad or cushion specifically for the lower back. Less common than 腰サポート but still used.
車のシートに腰当てを使う。
I use a lower back cushion in the car seat.
English 'waist' is usually ウエスト (the narrowest part of the torso), while 腰 is the lower back area including the hips. In many contexts, 腰 is the correct translation for 'lower back,' not 'waist.'
背中 (せなか) means the entire back, from shoulders to waist. 腰 specifically means the lower back. If you say 背中が痛い, it could be upper or middle back pain, not necessarily lower back.
Specifically refers to a sudden, acute lower back strain or 'thrown back.' Often used colloquially.
重いものを持ち上げて、ぎっくり腰になった。
I lifted something heavy and threw out my lower back.
腰回りのサイズを測る。
Measure the size around the lower back/hips.