foot; paw; arm (of octopus, squid, etc.)
Refers to the foot of a human or animal, including paws. Also used for the tentacles/arms of cephalopods. Typically written 足.
He broke his foot.
An octopus has eight arms.
Refers to the leg of a human or animal. Often written 脚, but 足 is also common.
You have long legs.
The dog stood on its hind legs.
Describes the manner or speed of walking. Often used in set phrases like 足が速い (fast walker) or 足が遅い (slow walker).
He is a fast walker.
I got tired and my legs felt heavy (my pace slowed).
lower radical of a kanji
Only when written 脚
In kanji terminology, refers to the bottom component of a character, such as ⺾ (くさかんむり) vs. 足 (あし). Usually written 脚.
The lower radical of this kanji is 心.
Only when written 足
Metaphorical use: something that serves as one's 'feet' for getting around. Restricted to the kanji 足.
I lost my car, so I lost my means of transportation.
The bus is the only means of transportation around here.
Colloquial euphemism for money, often with the polite prefix お (お足).
See also: お足
I'm a little short on cash.
He sat down in the chair and crossed his legs.
She stopped in front of the shop.
My little brother is fast on his feet and always comes in first.
After sitting on my knees for a long time, my legs went numb.
There's no way to get to the station from this village.
I use my bicycle to get to school.
足 means 'foot' or 'leg', whereas 指 (as in 足の指) specifically denotes the toes on the foot.
footprint; footprints; track left by feet · visitor record; page-visit history; SNS footprint
right foot · right leg
both feet · both legs
left foot · left leg
one foot; one leg · one of a pair (of shoes or socks)
scaffold; scaffolding · foothold; footing; place to stand · foothold; base; foundation · transport convenience; ease of access
one step; a single step · short distance; a little way · a short time; a little earlier or later
footsteps; sound of footsteps · approaching sign; harbinger
stopping someone from leaving; holding someone back; detention · being stranded; being stuck; grounding · level dyeing
gait; walk; stride; pace; step; manner of walking · trace; track; trail; movements
front leg; foreleg; forefoot
legs and lower back; lower body · foundation; underpinning
stepping in place; stamping; marking time · standstill; stalemate; deadlock
footbath; hot spring foot bath
bare feet
running fast; double time · cantering · doing things in a hurry; rushing
foothold; stepping stone
customer traffic; flow of customers; patronage
hind leg; hind foot
fetters; shackles; hobbles; encumbrance; hindrance; burden; trap
pace; step; tempo
quick pace; brisk walking · trot (horse gait)
hairline at the nape; nape of the neck
running away; escaping on foot; quickness in fleeing
fool's errand; wasted trip; visit for no good reason
fast; quick; brisk · swift; rapid
kick; kicking · treating poorly; ill-treatment; abuse
Technical or anatomical term for limb; rarely used in everyday writing.