胸元
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Meanings
1
Refers to the area around the chest, especially the upper front of the body. Often used in contexts of clothing, accessories, or physical description.
She wore a small brooch at her chest.
That dress has a deep neckline.
2
pit of the stomach; solar plexus; epigastrium
Refers to the upper central part of the abdomen, just below the sternum. Often used in medical or anatomical contexts, or when describing a feeling in that area.
I felt a tightness in the pit of my stomach from anxiety.
It hurts a little when I press on my solar plexus.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉で胸元を隠すto cover one's chest/neckline with something
She covered her chest with a scarf.
- 〈人〉に胸元を殴られるto be punched in the pit of the stomach by someone
He punched me in the solar plexus and I couldn't breathe for a moment.
- 胸元に〈物〉をつけるto wear something (e.g. jewelry) at one's neckline
She wore a small necklace at her neckline.
- 胸元が締まるto feel a tightening in the pit of the stomach (from nervousness or shock)
Hearing the news, I felt a tightness in my stomach.