Translation guide
The part of the leg between the hip and the knee. In Japanese, the most common word is 太もも (futomomo), but there are other terms depending on context, formality, and which part of the thigh is meant.
Referring to the thigh in everyday conversation, anatomy, or general descriptions.
The most common and neutral word for 'thigh'. Used in daily conversation, health, and casual contexts.
太ももが太くなった。
My thighs have gotten thicker.
太ももに痣ができた。
I got a bruise on my thigh.
Formal/anatomical term for 'thigh'. Used in medical contexts, anatomy, or formal writing.
大腿部の筋肉を鍛える。
Train the muscles of the thigh.
A shorter, slightly more casual version of 太もも. Often used in compounds or when the context is clear.
ももが痛い。
My thigh hurts.
Specifically the inner part of the thigh.
Common term for 'inner thigh'. Used in fitness, health, and everyday talk.
内ももを引き締める運動。
Exercises to tone the inner thighs.
Can mean 'inner thigh' or 'walking pigeon-toed'. Context distinguishes the meaning.
The front part of the thigh, often discussed in sports or injuries.
Common term for 'front thigh'. Used in sports, massage, and daily conversation.
前ももが張っている。
My front thighs are stiff.
The back part of the thigh, often referred to as the hamstring area.
Literally 'back of the thigh'. Common in everyday language.
太ももの裏の筋肉。
The muscles on the back of the thigh.
Loanword for 'hamstring'. Used in fitness and medical contexts.
ハムストリングを伸ばすストレッチ。
A stretch to lengthen the hamstrings.
Referring to the thigh of an animal as food, especially chicken.
Standard term for 'thigh meat', especially chicken thigh. Used in cooking and menus.
鶏のもも肉を使ってカレーを作る。
Make curry using chicken thighs.
太もも (futomomo) is the most common and neutral word for 'thigh' in daily life. もも (momo) is a shorter, casual form often used in compounds or when the context is clear. 大腿 (daitai) is the formal anatomical term, used in medical or scientific contexts.
While 腿 (もも) can mean thigh, it is often used in compounds and may be ambiguous. In formal writing, prefer 大腿 (だいたい) or 太もも (ふともも) for clarity.
内股が擦れて痛い。
My inner thighs are chafing and hurt.