Translation guide
The English word 'heel' refers to the back part of the foot, the corresponding part of a shoe or sock, or a contemptible person. This guide covers the main meanings useful for English-speaking learners of Japanese.
The back part of the human foot below the ankle.
The standard word for the heel of the foot. Used in everyday conversation.
かかとに豆ができた。
I got a blister on my heel.
かかとが痛いです。
My heel hurts.
Kanji form of かかと. More common in written Japanese, but the reading is the same.
踵を地面につけてください。
Please put your heel on the ground.
The part of a shoe or sock that covers or supports the heel of the foot.
The same word かかと is used for the heel of a shoe or sock. Context makes the meaning clear.
靴下のかかとに穴が開いた。
There's a hole in the heel of my sock.
この靴はかかとがすり減っている。
The heels of these shoes are worn down.
Loanword from English, often used specifically for high heels or the heel part of a shoe in fashion contexts.
A person who is considered morally bad or unlikeable; a cad or scoundrel.
A common term for a good-for-nothing or worthless person. Carries a strong negative connotation.
彼はろくでなしだ。
He's a heel.
Literally 'trash' or 'scum', used to describe a worthless person. Very strong and insulting.
あいつは人間のくずだ。
That guy is a total heel.
Means 'villain' or 'scoundrel'. More literary or old-fashioned, but can be used for a heel in a dramatic sense.
The end piece of a loaf of bread.
Literally 'bread ear', this is the common term for the crusty end slice of a loaf.
パンの耳はサクサクしていておいしい。
The heel of the bread is crispy and delicious.
Literally 'bread end', a more descriptive term that is also understood.
パンの端は硬いから、スープに浸して食べる。
The heel of the bread is hard, so I dip it in soup.
The part of the palm near the wrist.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'base of the palm'. There is no single common word for this in Japanese.
手のひらの付け根で押してください。
Press with the heel of your hand.
The tilt or leaning of a ship to one side.
General word for inclination or slant, used for ships heeling over.
船が大きく傾斜した。
The ship heeled over sharply.
Loanword used in sailing contexts, but less common than 傾斜.
ヨットがヒールする角度。
The angle at which the yacht heels.
The word かかと only refers to the physical heel. To call someone a heel (a bad person), use words like ろくでなし or くず.
かかと is the native Japanese word for heel (body part or shoe part). ヒール is a loanword often associated with high heels or fashion. For everyday use, かかと is more natural.
High-heeled shoes are tiring.
彼はとんでもない悪党だ。
He's an absolute heel.