Translation guide
The group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the medical term 回旋筋腱板, but in everyday conversation, people often describe it as the muscles around the shoulder or simply use the English loanword.
Referring to the rotator cuff as an anatomical structure in medical, sports medicine, or formal contexts.
Standard medical term for the rotator cuff. Used by doctors, physiotherapists, and in medical literature.
回旋筋腱板を損傷しました。
I injured my rotator cuff.
回旋筋腱板断裂の手術を受けました。
I had surgery for a rotator cuff tear.
Loanword from English, commonly understood in sports and fitness contexts. Often used in gyms or by trainers.
ローテーターカフを鍛えるトレーニングを教えてください。
Please teach me exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff.
Talking about shoulder pain or injury in casual settings without using medical jargon.
Literally 'muscles around the shoulder'. A natural, non-technical way to refer to the rotator cuff area.
肩の周りの筋肉を痛めたみたい。
I think I hurt the muscles around my shoulder.
Literally 'shoulder inner muscles'. Common in fitness circles, but also used in general conversation about shoulder stability.
肩のインナーマッスルが弱いと、肩を痛めやすいよ。
If your shoulder inner muscles are weak, you're prone to shoulder injuries.
In casual conversation, especially among younger people or in fitness contexts, the English loanword ローテーターカフ is widely understood. However, in a medical setting, 回旋筋腱板 is the standard term.