Translation guide
A buckle is a fastener for belts, bags, or shoes. As a verb, it means to fasten with a buckle, or to bend/collapse under pressure.
The metal or plastic clasp used to fasten a belt, strap, bag, or shoe.
The most common and natural word for 'buckle' in modern Japanese. Used for belts, bags, shoes, etc.
To secure or fasten something using a buckle.
The most natural way to say 'buckle up' or 'fasten the buckle'. Literally 'tighten the buckle'.
シートベルトのバックルを締めてください。
Please fasten your seatbelt buckle.
バッグのバックルを締め忘れた。
I forgot to fasten the buckle on my bag.
To bend, warp, or give way under weight, force, or stress. Often used for knees, metal, or structures.
The loanword バックル only means the noun 'buckle'. To express the action of bending or collapsing, use verbs like 折れる, 曲がる, or へこむ. Saying 膝がバックルする is not natural Japanese.
このベルトのバックルは壊れています。
The buckle on this belt is broken.
バッグのバックルが外れた。
The buckle on the bag came undone.
A more general term for a metal clasp or fastener. Can refer to buckles, but also to other types of catches. Slightly more formal or technical.
留め金が固くて外れない。
The clasp is stiff and won't come undone.
A traditional Japanese term for a buckle or clasp, often used for obi (kimono sash) fasteners or historical items. Rare in everyday conversation.
この帯留めは古い尾錠の形をしている。
This obi clip is shaped like an old-fashioned buckle.
Means 'to fasten with a buckle'. More descriptive, emphasizing the tool used.
このベルトはバックルで留めるタイプです。
This belt is the type that fastens with a buckle.
General verb for 'tighten' or 'fasten'. Can be used for seatbelts, belts, etc., without explicitly saying 'buckle'.
ベルトを締めて。
Fasten your belt.
Means 'to break' or 'to snap'. Used for bones, sticks, or things that bend and break. For knees buckling, it implies a sudden give way.
膝が折れるように倒れた。
My knees buckled and I fell.
重みで棚が折れた。
The shelf buckled under the weight.
Means 'to bend' or 'to warp'. Less severe than breaking; implies deformation without snapping.
熱でレールが曲がった。
The rail buckled in the heat.
膝が曲がって立てなかった。
My knees buckled and I couldn't stand.
Means 'to dent' or 'to cave in'. Used for surfaces that buckle inward under pressure.
車のボンネットがへこんだ。
The car's hood buckled.
Means 'to sprain' or 'to give way' for joints like ankles or knees. Also used metaphorically for losing spirit.
足首が挫けて転んだ。
My ankle buckled and I fell.