noun
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.
彼は足を骨折した。
He broke his foot.
タコの足は8本ある。
An octopus has eight arms.
noun
Refers to the leg of a human or animal. Often written 脚, but 足 is also common.
脚が長いですね。
You have long legs.
犬が後ろ足で立った。
The dog stood on its hind legs.
noun
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).
彼は足が速い。
He is a fast walker.
疲れて足が重くなった。
I got tired and my legs felt heavy (my pace slowed).
noun
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.
この漢字の脚は「心」です。
The lower radical of this kanji is 心.
noun
Only when written 足
Metaphorical use: something that serves as one's 'feet' for getting around. Restricted to the kanji 足.
車がなくなって、足がなくなった。
I lost my car, so I lost my means of transportation.
この辺はバスが唯一の足だ。
The bus is the only means of transportation around here.
noun
Colloquial euphemism for money, often with the polite prefix お (お足).
See also: お足
ちょっとお足が足りなくて。
I'm a little short on cash.