noun
groundwork; preparation; laying the foundation
Figurative use: doing the necessary preparatory work or establishing a solid base before starting something important. Often used in business, politics, or personal projects.
新事業を始める前に、しっかり足固めをしておく必要がある。
Before launching a new business, you need to do thorough groundwork.
交渉に入る前に、
Before entering negotiations, laying the groundwork and behind-the-scenes preparation are essential.
noun
leg strengthening; walking practice; footwork training
Physical training to strengthen the legs and improve stability, often for sports, martial arts, or rehabilitation. Can refer to exercises like squats, walking, or specific drills.
登山の前に、毎日足固めのトレーニングをしている。
Before the mountain climb, I do leg-strengthening training every day.
リハビリでは、まず足固めから始めましょう。
In rehabilitation, let's start with leg strengthening first.
noun
leg hold; leg lock
In wrestling, judo, and other grappling sports, a technique where the opponent's leg is held or locked to control or submit them.
彼は足固めの技で相手を押さえ込んだ。
He pinned his opponent with a leg hold technique.
柔道では足固めは関節技の一種だ。
In judo, a leg lock is a type of joint technique.
noun
underfloor beam; floor joist connector
In traditional Japanese architecture, a horizontal wooden beam that connects and stabilizes the pillars supporting the floor. A technical carpentry term.
古い家屋の床下には、足固めと呼ばれる横木が使われている。
Under the floor of old houses, a horizontal beam called ashigatame is used.
大工は足固めをしっかりと柱に固定した。
The carpenter firmly fixed the underfloor beam to the pillars.
脚力 means leg strength as an attribute; 足固め refers to the training or exercises to build that strength.
Compound of 足 (ashi, 'foot, leg') and 固め (katame, 'hardening, strengthening'), from the verb 固める (katameru, 'to harden, strengthen'). The figurative sense of 'groundwork' likely developed from the idea of making one's footing firm.