Translation guide
The English word "arm" can refer to a body part, a weapon, or be used in various figurative and idiomatic expressions. This guide covers the most common and useful meanings for English-speaking learners of Japanese.
Referring to the limb from shoulder to hand.
The standard word for the arm as a body part. Can also refer to skill or ability in some contexts.
彼は腕を骨折した。
He broke his arm.
腕を上げてください。
Please raise your arm.
Medical/anatomical term for upper limb. Not used in everyday conversation.
上肢の運動
upper limb exercises
Referring to a weapon, especially a gun.
General term for weapon. Can be used for arms in the context of weaponry.
彼らは武器を取った。
They took up arms.
Specifically a gun. Use when the context clearly indicates firearms.
彼は銃で武装していた。
He was armed with a gun.
Verb meaning 'to arm oneself' or 'to be armed'.
兵士たちは武装していた。
The soldiers were armed.
Referring to a branch of an organization.
Common word for a department or division of a company or organization.
彼は新しい部門の責任者だ。
He is the head of the new arm of the company.
Branch office or local chapter, often used for political parties, unions, etc.
党の地方支部
the local arm of the party
Describing two people walking with arms linked.
Literally 'with arms crossed/linked'. Used for walking arm in arm.
二人は腕を組んで歩いた。
They walked arm in arm.
Something very expensive.
Idiom meaning 'so expensive your eyes pop out'. Equivalent to 'cost an arm and a leg'.
その車は目が飛び出るほど高かった。
That car cost an arm and a leg.
Literally 'outrageous price'. A more direct way to say something is extremely expensive.
それは法外な値段だ。
It costs an arm and a leg.
To be willing to sacrifice a lot for something.
Means 'would do anything'. Used to express strong desire.
その仕事を得るためなら何でもする。
I'd give my right arm to get that job.
Means 'not to spare/grudge'. Can be used in similar contexts.
彼は努力を惜しまない。
He would give his right arm for success.
In Japanese, 腕 (うで) refers to the arm from shoulder to wrist, while 手 (て) refers to the hand. English sometimes uses 'arm' loosely for the whole limb including the hand, but in Japanese the distinction is clearer. For example, 'raise your hand' is 手を挙げて, not 腕を挙げて.
The word 腕 (うで) is also used metaphorically to mean 'skill' or 'ability', as in 腕がいい (skillful) or 腕を磨く (to polish one's skills). This is a common and useful extension.