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.
腰が痛い。
My lower back hurts.
He put his hands on his lower back.
More anatomical or medical term for the lumbar region. Common in healthcare contexts.
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.
I went to the hospital for lower back pain.
Casual, direct way to say 'my lower back hurts.' Very common in daily speech.
My lower back has been hurting since yesterday.
Specifically refers to a sudden, acute lower back strain or 'thrown back.' Often used colloquially.
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.
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.
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.
Lately, my lower back pain has been severe.
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.
I use a lower back cushion in the car seat.