Translation guide
The individual bones that make up the spine. In Japanese, the most common term is 椎骨 (ついこつ), but the word 脊椎 (せきつい) is often used to refer to the vertebrae collectively or the spine as a whole. For everyday conversation, 背骨 (せぼね) is more natural when talking about the spine in general.
Referring to one specific bone of the spinal column, typically in medical or anatomical contexts.
The standard anatomical term for a single vertebra. Used in medical and scientific contexts.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae.
The lumbar vertebrae are the largest.
A slightly more explicit term for a vertebra, literally 'spine bone'. Less common than 椎骨 but still used in medical contexts.
The number of vertebrae can vary from person to person.
Referring to the spinal column as a whole or multiple vertebrae, often in general or non-specialist contexts.
The most common term for the spine or vertebral column. Can refer to the entire structure or the vertebrae collectively. Used in both medical and everyday contexts.
I injured my spine.
The colloquial term for the spine or backbone. Used in everyday conversation, not typically in formal medical contexts.
Referring to vertebrae in a particular region of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, etc.
Cervical vertebrae (neck bones).
I was diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc.
Thoracic vertebrae (upper/mid back).
Lumbar vertebrae (lower back).
Sacral vertebrae (fused, forming the sacrum). Rarely used outside anatomy.
Coccygeal vertebrae (tailbone). Very niche, anatomical term.
椎骨 (ついこつ) is the precise term for a single vertebra. 脊椎 (せきつい) is the spine or vertebral column, often used in compound words like 脊椎動物 (vertebrate). 背骨 (せぼね) is the everyday word for backbone/spine and is not used in formal medical contexts.
背骨 refers to the whole spine, not an individual bone. Saying 背骨が折れた (I broke my back/spine) is natural, but if you need to specify one vertebra, use 椎骨.
Vertebrates have a spine.
My spine is curved.
A cat's spine is flexible.
胸椎の骨折は高齢者に多い。
Thoracic vertebral fractures are common in the elderly.
腰椎の痛みがひどい。
I have severe pain in my lumbar vertebrae.
The sacral vertebrae are usually five fused together.
The coccygeal vertebrae are a vestige of the tail.