Translation guide
How to express 'both arms' naturally in Japanese, depending on context.
Referring to both of someone's arms as body parts.
Describing an action done using both arms.
Using the particle で to indicate means. 'With both arms'.
彼女は両腕で赤ちゃんを抱いた。
She held the baby with both arms.
Talking about both arms in a medical or injury situation.
Same word, but context makes it clear.
両腕 (ryoude) specifically means both arms, while 両手 (ryoute) means both hands. However, in many actions like hugging or carrying, 両手 is used naturally even when the arms are involved. Use 両腕 when you want to emphasize the arms themselves (e.g., pain, injury, raising arms).
He raised both arms.
両腕が痛い。
Both arms hurt.
Literally 'both hands', but often used when the action involves the hands/arms together. Can imply the whole arm in context.
両手を広げてください。
Please spread both arms (hands).
More explicit: 'both of the arms'. Slightly more formal or emphatic.
両方の腕に荷物を持っている。
I'm carrying bags in both arms.
Often used when the action involves hands, but can imply arms.
両手で抱きしめた。
I hugged (someone) with both arms.
I broke both arms.
Medical term for 'both upper limbs'. Used in clinical settings.
両上肢にしびれがあります。
I have numbness in both arms.