Translation guide
The openings of the nose. In Japanese, the most common word is 鼻の穴, but there are also specific anatomical terms and expressions for related actions.
Referring to the nostrils in casual or everyday contexts.
The most common and natural way to say 'nostril' in Japanese. Literally 'nose hole'.
Your nostrils are big.
Don't put your finger in your nostril.
A more formal or anatomical term for 'nostril'. Used in medical contexts or formal writing.
There is bleeding from the right nostril.
Referring to the nostril in precise anatomical terms, often distinguishing between external and internal parts.
Describing the action of widening the nostrils, often due to emotion or breathing.
The act of picking the nostril, often considered rude.
While 鼻の穴 is perfectly fine in daily conversation, in formal or medical settings, 鼻孔 (びこう) is more appropriate. Using 鼻の穴 in a doctor's office might sound childish.
鼻の穴 is the everyday word, while 鼻孔 is the technical term. Similar to 'nostril' vs 'naris' in English, but 鼻孔 is more commonly used in Japanese medical contexts than 'naris' is in English.
The internal nostrils connect the nasal cavity and the pharynx.
She flared her nostrils proudly.