Translation guide
The joint between the upper and lower arm, and related actions or expressions.
Referring to the elbow as a part of the body.
The standard word for 'elbow' in Japanese. Used in everyday conversation.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts like engineering or sports (e.g., pipe elbow, elbow guard). Not used for the body part in everyday language.
エルボーパイプ
elbow pipe
Using the elbow to push or nudge someone, often to get attention.
To poke or nudge someone with one's elbow. Commonly used when trying to get someone's attention discreetly.
彼は私の注意を引くために肘で突いた。
He nudged me with his elbow to get my attention.
To push with the elbow, often in a crowded space.
満員電車で肘で押された。
I was pushed by someone's elbow on the crowded train.
Referring to the part of a sleeve that covers the elbow.
Can also refer to the elbow area of clothing, especially when talking about patches or wear.
このジャケットは肘にパッチが付いている。
This jacket has patches on the elbows.
Expressing the idea of having enough space to move freely.
Literally 'to spread one's elbows', meaning to take up space or act arrogantly. Can be used to describe someone who is overbearing.
彼はいつも肘を張って歩いている。
He always walks around with his elbows out (acting arrogantly).
Literally 'elbow gun', meaning a sharp elbow strike or a strong rejection/refusal. Often used figuratively.
彼女にデートを申し込んだら肘鉄砲を食らった。
When I asked her out, she gave me the elbow (rejected me sharply).
Referring to hard physical effort, especially in cleaning or manual work.
Means 'physical strength' or 'brute force'. Used when talking about putting in physical effort.
この汚れを落とすには腕力がいる。
You need some elbow grease to get this dirt off.
General word for 'effort'. Can be used in contexts where 'elbow grease' means hard work.
The English idiom 'elbow room' (space to move) does not translate directly to 肘の部屋 (hiji no heya). Instead, use 余地 (yochi) or スペース (supēsu) for physical space, or ゆとり (yutori) for breathing room.
もう少し肘を動かすスペースが欲しい。
I need a little more elbow room.
Success requires elbow grease.