Translation guide
The English word 'hips' refers to the part of the body on each side below the waist. In Japanese, the most common and natural translation is 腰 (こし), but depending on context, other words like ヒップ or 臀部 may be used. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
Referring to the hips as a body part in everyday conversation, health, or clothing contexts.
The most common and natural word for 'hips' in Japanese. It broadly refers to the lower back and hip area. Used in daily conversation, health, and clothing.
My hips hurt.
このズボンは腰がきつい。
These pants are tight around the hips.
A loanword from English, often used in fashion, fitness, or when emphasizing the shape/size of the hips. More specific to the buttocks and hip area than 腰.
ヒップが大きい。
I have large hips.
A formal, anatomical term for the buttocks/hip region. Used in medical contexts or very formal writing.
臀部の筋肉を鍛える。
Train the muscles of the hips/buttocks.
Talking about hip measurement for clothing or body size.
Standard term for hip measurement in fashion and tailoring.
ヒップは何センチですか？
What is your hip measurement?
Literally 'around the waist/hips', used for the circumference of the hip area.
Describing actions involving the hips, such as putting hands on hips, swaying hips, etc.
The natural way to say 'put one's hands on one's hips'.
彼は腰に手を当てて立っていた。
He stood with his hands on his hips.
To sway or shake one's hips, as in dancing.
音楽に合わせて腰を振る。
Sway your hips to the music.
To lower one's hips (e.g., in a squat or martial arts stance).
腰を落として構える。
Lower your hips and take a stance.
腰 (こし) is the general area including the lower back and hips. ヒップ is more about the shape/size of the buttocks and hips, often used in fashion. お尻 (おしり) specifically means 'buttocks' and is not a direct translation of 'hips' unless you mean the rear end. Use 腰 for most body-related contexts, ヒップ for measurements/fashion, and お尻 only when you specifically mean the buttocks.
If you say ヒップが痛い, it sounds like your buttocks hurt. For lower back/hip pain, always use 腰が痛い.
腰回りを測る。
Measure around the hips.