Translation guide
The English word 'shank' has several distinct meanings: a part of the leg (especially in animals or as a cut of meat), a long narrow part of a tool or object, and as slang for a homemade knife or the act of stabbing. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the part of the leg between the knee and ankle, especially in animals or as a cut of meat (e.g., beef shank, lamb shank).
General term for the shin or lower leg in humans and animals. Also used for the cut of meat.
牛すね肉を煮込んだ。
I stewed beef shank.
彼はサッカーで脛を打った。
He hit his shin playing soccer.
Kanji form of すね, used in written contexts or compound words.
脛の骨を折った。
I broke my shin bone.
Loanword from English, used in culinary contexts for specific dishes like lamb shank.
ラムシャンクの煮込み
braised lamb shank
The long, narrow part of a tool, key, or other object connecting the handle to the working end.
General term for shaft, axis, or shank of a tool. Commonly used for drill bits, screwdrivers, etc.
ドリルの軸が折れた。
The drill shank broke.
この鍵の軸は長い。
The shank of this key is long.
Refers to the handle or haft of a tool, but can sometimes include the shank in context. More common for knives or swords.
ナイフの柄がしっかりしている。
The knife's handle (and shank) is sturdy.
Technical loanword used in engineering or machining contexts.
シャンク径を測ってください。
Please measure the shank diameter.
Slang for a homemade knife or the act of stabbing someone, especially in prison contexts.
Verb meaning 'to stab'. Used for the action of shanking.
囚人が他の囚人を刺した。
The inmate shanked another prisoner.
General term for edged weapon or blade. Can refer to a shank in context.
Loanword used in subculture or media about prisons, but not widely understood.
In Japanese, there is no exact equivalent for the prison slang 'shank'. Using すね (shin) would be confusing. Instead, describe the action (刺す) or use a general term like 刃物. The loanword シャンク is only understood in very specific contexts.
He had a shank.
A shank was found in the prison.