Translation guide
The English word 'lip' refers to the fleshy parts around the mouth. In Japanese, the most common word is 唇 (くちびる). There are also specific terms for upper/lower lip, and some related expressions.
唇
lip
Referring to one or both lips as a body part.
The standard word for 'lip' or 'lips'. Can refer to one lip or both, depending on context.
彼女の唇はとてもきれいだ。
Her lips are very beautiful.
乾燥で唇が荒れている。
My lips are chapped from dryness.
Specifically the upper lip.
上唇にほくろがある。
I have a mole on my upper lip.
Idiomatic or figurative uses involving lips.
To bite one's lip, often to suppress emotion or endure something.
悔しくて唇を噛んだ。
I bit my lip in frustration.
To pout; to purse one's lips, often showing displeasure.
子供は唇を尖らせて不満を表した。
The child pouted to show dissatisfaction.
To lick one's lips, often in anticipation or after eating.
彼はおいしそうに唇をなめた。
He licked his lips as if it were delicious.
A more formal or medical term for lips, often used in compounds like 口唇ヘルペス (cold sore).
The loanword リップ (rippu) is used in compound words like リップクリーム (lip balm) or リップサービス (lip service), but it is not used alone to mean the body part. Use 唇 (くちびる) for the anatomical lip.
口唇ヘルペスができた。
I got a cold sore.