Translation guide
The body part inside the neck used for swallowing and speaking. Japanese distinguishes between the front of the neck (nodō) and the internal passage (nodo), with nodo being the most common word for 'throat' in everyday contexts.
Referring to the inside passage of the throat, especially when talking about swallowing, voice, or a sore throat.
The most common word for 'throat' in Japanese. It refers to the internal part of the throat, including the pharynx and larynx. Used for swallowing, voice, and sore throats.
I have a sore throat.
I'm thirsty. (lit. My throat is dry.)
A fish bone got stuck in my throat.
Medical or anatomical term for the throat, specifically the pharynx. Used in formal or technical contexts.
inflammation of the throat
Referring to the visible front part of the neck, the external throat area.
Specifically the front of the neck, the area around the throat. Often used when talking about something touching or being near the throat externally.
A knife was held to my throat.
While primarily internal, 喉 can also refer to the external throat area in some contexts, but 喉元 is more precise for the front of the neck.
Generally means 'neck', but can be used for the throat area in certain expressions, especially when referring to choking or strangling.
Referring to the throat as the source of voice, especially in singing or speaking.
To purr (like a cat) or to make a throaty sound of satisfaction. Also used figuratively for a singer warming up.
The cat is purring.
To have a strong throat/voice; able to sing or speak loudly without strain.
A throaty voice; a voice that sounds strained or comes from the throat rather than the diaphragm.
If you sing with a throaty voice, you'll hurt your throat.
Describing the sensation of food or drink passing through the throat.
The feeling of food or drink going down the throat. Often used to describe the texture or sensation of swallowing, especially for beverages like beer or noodles.
This beer goes down smoothly.
To pass through the throat; to be able to swallow. Often used in negative form when someone has no appetite or difficulty swallowing.
I can't swallow anything because I'm sick.
When something is lodged in the throat or causing choking.
Metaphorical use of 'throat' to describe a narrow entrance or critical point.
喉 (nodo) refers specifically to the throat, both internally and externally, while 首 (kubi) means 'neck' in general. Use 喉 for sore throats, swallowing, and voice. Use 首 for the neck as a body part (e.g., neck pain, necklace). However, in expressions like 'to strangle', 首を絞める is used because the action involves the whole neck.
While 喉 is the most common translation, it's not used for the throat of an animal in the same way as English. For example, 'cut the throat of a chicken' is usually 鶏の首を切る (niwatori no kubi o kiru), not 喉を切る. 喉 is more for the internal passage.
I have a sore throat.
He cleared his throat.
Japanese uses the specific action '咳払い' (clearing throat/cough) rather than a phrase with 喉.
The words stuck in my throat.
The food is about to come up to my throat. (feeling of nausea)
I was grabbed by the throat.
to strangle (someone)
He has a strong voice, so he can sing for hours without a problem.
The sensation of cold somen noodles sliding down the throat is irresistible.
Suddenly he started choking and struggling.