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.
Don't put your finger in your nostril.
A more formal or anatomical term for 'nostril'. Used in medical contexts or formal writing.
右の鼻孔から出血しています。
There is bleeding from the right nostril.
Referring to the nostril in precise anatomical terms, often distinguishing between external and internal parts.
Anatomical term for the external nostril opening.
外鼻孔の形は人によって異なります。
The shape of the external nostrils varies from person to person.
Anatomical term for the internal nostril opening (choana).
内鼻孔は鼻腔と咽頭をつないでいます。
The internal nostrils connect the nasal cavity and the pharynx.
Describing the action of widening the nostrils, often due to emotion or breathing.
Literally 'to widen the nostrils'. Used for intentional or emotional flaring.
彼は怒って鼻の穴を広げた。
He flared his nostrils in anger.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to flare one's nostrils', often used when someone is proud or excited. 小鼻 refers to the sides of the nostrils.
彼女は自慢げに小鼻を膨らませた。
She flared her nostrils proudly.
The act of picking the nostril, often considered rude.
Common phrase for 'to pick one's nose'. ほじる means to dig or pick.
人前で鼻をほじるのはやめなさい。
Stop picking your nose in public.
More specific: 'to pick boogers'. 鼻くそ means booger.
子供が鼻くそをほじっていた。
The child was picking his nose.
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.