Translation guide
The English word "orifice" refers to an opening or hole, especially in the body. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 穴 (あな), a general word for hole. For anatomical contexts, 口 (くち) is used in compounds, and technical terms like 開口部 (かいこうぶ) exist. This guide covers natural ways to express this concept.
To refer to any opening, hole, or aperture, not necessarily anatomical.
The most common and versatile word for 'hole' or 'opening'. Can be used for both physical holes and metaphorical gaps.
壁に穴が開いている。
There is a hole in the wall.
靴下に穴が空いた。
My sock has a hole in it.
A technical term for 'opening' or 'aperture', used in engineering, architecture, or formal descriptions.
この機械の開口部から光が漏れる。
Light leaks from the opening of this machine.
To refer to an opening in the body, such as the mouth, nostrils, ears, etc.
In casual or everyday speech, 穴 can refer to bodily orifices, though it may sound blunt. Often used with a specifying word.
Means 'mouth' or 'opening'. Used in compounds for specific bodily orifices, often in medical or formal contexts.
尿道口
urethral orifice
Used in medical or anatomical contexts to mean 'orifice' or 'opening', such as in 'body orifice'.
To refer to an opening in a metaphorical sense, such as an outlet for emotions or a gap in a system.
Literally 'exit', but can be used figuratively for an outlet or vent, especially for emotions or stress.
ストレスの出口を見つける。
Find an outlet for stress.
Specifically means 'outlet' or 'vent' for emotions, energy, or water. Common in phrases like 感情のはけ口 (outlet for emotions).
Using 開口部 (かいこうぶ) in everyday conversation sounds overly technical. Stick to 穴 (あな) for general holes, and use specific body part names (鼻, 耳, 口) when referring to bodily orifices naturally.
穴 (あな) is a general 'hole' and can be used for nostrils (鼻の穴) or ear holes (耳の穴). 口 (くち) means 'mouth' or 'opening' and appears in medical compounds like 尿道口 (にょうどうこう, urethral orifice). For everyday reference, use the specific body part name (e.g., 鼻, 耳) without 穴 unless you need to emphasize the hole itself.
肛門は消化管の出口です。
The anus is the exit of the digestive tract.
体の開口部から細菌が侵入することがある。
Bacteria can enter through body orifices.
彼は怒りのはけ口を求めている。
He is looking for an outlet for his anger.