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JLPT N17画 · 7 strokesradical 肉

elbow, arm

On'yomi (音読み)

  • チュウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • ひじ

Mnemonic

Imagine your elbow, shaped like a meaty joint, bending to help you reach for a delicious slice of juicy steak.

About this kanji

The kanji 「肘」 means "elbow" and is often associated with the arm in general. It is typically used as a noun, referring specifically to the joint where the upper arm meets the forearm. Some common compounds include 肘鉄 (ひじてつ), which means "elbowing someone," and 両肘 (りょうひじ), meaning "both elbows." Another interesting compound is 掣肘 (せいちゅう), which refers to "restraint." Additionally, 肘枕 (ひじまくら) describes the act of resting your head on your arm or elbow. A useful note is that in casual conversation, you might refer to your elbow when talking about gestures or space in a social setting.

Example sentences

  • 肘を床につければ楽だ。

    It feels easier if you rest your elbows on the floor.

Meanings across languages

English
elbow, arm
Tiếng Việt
khuỷu tay, tay
日本語
肘, ひじ
한국어
팔꿈치
中文
肘部, 手臂
id
siku
th
ข้อศอก
es
codo
fr
coude
de
Ellenbogen
pt
cotovelo

Common compounds

  • 肘鉄ひじてつelbowing (someone), rejection, rebuff
  • 両肘りょうひじboth elbows
  • 掣肘せいちゅうrestraint, restriction, control
  • 肘枕ひじまくらresting one's head on one's arm or elbow
  • 肩肘かたひじshoulders and elbows
  • 肘木ひじきancon, bracket, corbel piece
  • 片肘かたひじone elbow
  • 肘頭ひじがしらolecranon

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