Translation guide
The mandible is the lower jawbone. In everyday English, it is often called the 'jaw' or 'jawbone'. This guide covers how to refer to the mandible in Japanese, from medical terms to casual speech.
To refer to the mandible as a specific bone in medical, dental, or anatomical contexts.
To refer to the jaw or jawbone in everyday conversation, not necessarily the specific bone.
The most common word for 'jaw' or 'chin'. Can refer to the entire jaw area, including the mandible. In casual contexts, this is the natural choice.
To refer to the mandible of an insect or other arthropod.
Specifically refers to the mandibles of insects or arthropods. Also written as 大顎.
クワガタムシの大あごはとても強い。
The stag beetle's mandibles are very strong.
In everyday Japanese, あご is the natural word for 'jaw'. 下顎骨 is a technical term used mainly by medical professionals. If you say 下顎骨 in casual conversation, it may sound overly clinical.
The word あご can mean both 'jaw' and 'chin'. Context usually makes it clear. If you need to be specific, use 下顎 (lower jaw) or あごの先 (tip of the chin).
The standard anatomical term for the mandible bone. Used in medical and dental fields.
下顎骨は顔の中で唯一動く骨です。
The mandible is the only movable bone in the face.
Refers to the lower jaw as a region, often used in compound terms like 下顎骨 (mandible) or 下顎歯 (lower teeth).
下顎の骨折は食事や会話に影響します。
A fracture of the lower jaw affects eating and speaking.
あごが痛い。
My jaw hurts.
彼はあごを骨折した。
He broke his jaw.
Literally 'jaw bone'. Used when you want to emphasize the bone itself in casual speech.
あごの骨が折れたみたい。
I think my jawbone is broken.
Can also be used for insect mandibles in general contexts, but 大あご is more precise.
アリの顎は獲物を運ぶのに使われる。
An ant's mandibles are used to carry prey.