Translation guide
The English word 'massage' can refer to the act of rubbing muscles for relaxation or therapy, or to the service itself. In Japanese, the most common and natural word is マッサージ, a loanword from English. There are also traditional Japanese terms like 按摩 (あんま) and 指圧 (しあつ) that refer to specific types of massage. This guide covers how to talk about getting, giving, or describing a massage in Japanese.
massage
To refer to a massage in general, such as at a spa, for relaxation, or for muscle relief.
The most common and widely understood word for 'massage' in Japanese. It covers both relaxation and therapeutic massage. Used in everyday conversation and in service menus.
I went for a massage yesterday.
Please give me a shoulder massage.
Traditional Japanese massage, often associated with blind practitioners. It can sound old-fashioned or clinical. Still used in some contexts, but マッサージ is more common.
My grandfather gets a massage every day.
Shiatsu, a specific Japanese massage technique using finger pressure. Not a general term for massage; use only when referring to this specific style.
Shiatsu feels really good, doesn't it?
To express the action of massaging someone.
The standard way to say 'to give a massage' or 'to massage'. Use the verb する with マッサージ.
She massaged my back.
I massage my feet every night.
Means 'to knead' or 'to rub'. Can be used for massaging muscles, but is more casual and implies a squeezing or kneading motion. Often used for shoulders.
Means 'to loosen' or 'to relax' stiff muscles. Often used in the context of massage to describe relieving tension.
To express receiving a massage from someone.
Literally 'to receive a massage'. A polite and common way to say you got a massage, especially in formal contexts.
I received a massage at the hotel.
Using ～てもらう implies you had someone do the massage for you. Very natural in casual conversation.
I got a massage from a friend.
To talk about massage as a professional service, such as at a clinic or spa.
Used for the service itself. Can be combined with words like 整体 (せいたい, chiropractic/bodywork) or エステ (esthetic) for specific types.
The massage at this shop is very good.
Refers to a type of bodywork that combines massage with skeletal adjustment. Often translated as 'chiropractic' or 'osteopathy', but commonly includes massage techniques.
While 按摩 (あんま) is a traditional term, it can sound outdated or evoke images of old-fashioned blind masseurs. For a modern spa or relaxation massage, always use マッサージ.
マッサージ is general massage. 指圧 (shiatsu) is a specific pressure-point technique. 整体 (seitai) is more like chiropractic or osteopathy, often involving joint manipulation along with massage. Choose based on the type of treatment.
I need a massage.
Can you massage my shoulders?
She gave me a great massage.
Shall I massage your shoulders?
I had my stiff shoulders loosened up (massaged).
整体に行って、腰を治してもらった。
I went for a bodywork session and had my lower back fixed.