ケツ
Meanings
Very casual, often vulgar word for the buttocks. Used among close friends or in rough speech.
I fell and hit my ass.
That guy has a huge butt.
Extended from the body part to mean the rear or end of something, often in a rough or casual tone.
Please line up at the end of the queue.
The rear of the car got hit.
Only when written 穴
Technical term in acupuncture, using the kanji 穴. Not used in everyday conversation.
This pressure point is one of the acupuncture points.
Only when written 穴
Counter for holes or notches, using the kanji 穴. Rare and specialized.
I made one hole in the belt.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉のケツを叩くto spur someone into action; to give someone a kick in the pants
I gave my subordinate a kick in the pants to get the work moving.
- 〈物〉のケツthe rear or tail end of something
I bumped into the back of the car.
- ケツを持つto take responsibility for someone or something
If something goes wrong, I'll take responsibility.
- ケツに火がつくto be under pressure from an approaching deadline
The deadline is approaching, and I'm really under the gun.
Expressions
- 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ずnothing ventured, nothing gained
- 千丈の堤も蟻の一穴より崩れるa small leak will sink a great ship