Translation guide
The English word 'toe' refers to the digits of the foot. In Japanese, the word for toe is 足の指 (ashi no yubi), literally 'foot finger'. There is no single common word that exclusively means 'toe'; instead, the context usually makes it clear. This guide covers how to talk about toes in everyday Japanese.
Referring to one or more toes in a neutral, everyday context.
The standard, neutral way to say 'toe'. Literally 'foot finger'. Used in most situations.
I stubbed my toe.
My toes are cold.
Refers specifically to the tips of the toes or the front part of the foot. Often used when talking about standing on tiptoe or the toe of a shoe.
I stand on my tiptoes.
The toe of my shoe is torn.
Talking about a particular toe, like the big toe or pinky toe.
The big toe. Literally 'foot's parent finger'.
I cut my big toenail.
The little toe. Literally 'foot's small finger'.
I stubbed my little toe on the dresser.
The second toe (index toe). Literally 'foot's index finger'. Used mainly in medical or anatomical contexts.
Referring specifically to the nail on a toe.
Toenail. Literally 'foot nail'. The context usually makes it clear you mean toenail rather than fingernail.
I forgot to cut my toenails.
The loanword トー is not used to mean the body part 'toe' in Japanese. It is only used in compound words like トーシューズ (toe shoes, for ballet) or トーループ (toe loop, in figure skating). For the body part, always use 足の指 or related terms.
My second toe is long.