Translation guide
The English word "spine" has several distinct meanings: the backbone, a sharp point on an animal or plant, the part of a book cover, and metaphorical uses like courage or core strength. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
The column of bones in the back; the spinal column.
The most common and general word for the spine or backbone in everyday conversation.
背骨を伸ばすと気持ちいい。
It feels good to stretch your spine.
Medical or anatomical term for the spine or vertebrae. Used in formal contexts.
脊椎の構造について学ぶ。
Learn about the structure of the spine.
Another medical term for the spinal column. Less common than 脊椎.
脊柱側弯症の治療。
Treatment for scoliosis (spinal curvature).
A stiff, sharp projection on an animal (like a porcupine) or plant (like a cactus).
General word for thorn, spine, or splinter. Covers both plant thorns and animal spines.
サボテンの棘に気をつけて。
Watch out for the cactus spines.
ハリネズミの棘は鋭い。
A hedgehog's spines are sharp.
Literally 'needle'. Used for very fine, needle-like spines, especially on animals like porcupines or sea urchins.
ウニの針が刺さった。
A sea urchin spine got stuck in me.
The part of a book cover that faces outward on a shelf, usually with the title.
The standard term for the spine of a book.
背表紙にタイトルが書いてある。
The title is written on the spine.
Literally 'back of the book'. A more casual, descriptive phrase.
本の背が壊れている。
The spine of the book is broken.
Strength of character; the ability to stand up for oneself.
Moral backbone; strength of character. Often used in phrases like 気骨がある (to have spine/backbone).
彼は気骨のある政治家だ。
He is a politician with spine.
Guts, willpower, fighting spirit. Can imply stubbornness. Used in contexts like 'have the spine to do something'.
Courage, nerve, pluck. Emphasizes boldness in facing a challenge.
The most important part of something; the central supporting element.
Also used metaphorically for the backbone of an organization or system.
中小企業が経済の背骨だ。
Small and medium enterprises are the spine of the economy.
Literally 'framework of a stall'. Figuratively, the backbone or mainstay of an organization or family.
While 背骨 (sebone) means backbone anatomically, it is not used metaphorically for courage. Use 気骨 (kikotsu) or 根性 (konjou) instead.
棘 (toge) is the general word for thorns and spines. 針 (hari) specifically means 'needle' and is used for very fine, sharp spines like those of a sea urchin or porcupine. For most plants and animals, 棘 is sufficient.
文句を言うなら、もっと根性を見せろ。
If you're going to complain, show some spine.
She has enough spine to talk back to her boss.
彼がチームの屋台骨を支えている。
He is the spine of the team.