Translation guide
The English word "trunk" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the main stem of a tree, an elephant's nose, a large storage box, the rear storage compartment of a car, and the human torso. Each meaning has different Japanese equivalents.
The main woody stem of a tree.
The standard word for a tree trunk. Used for the main stem from roots to branches.
この木の幹はとても太い。
The trunk of this tree is very thick.
A more formal or literary term for tree trunk, often used in written or technical contexts.
樹幹に彫られた模様が美しい。
The patterns carved on the tree trunk are beautiful.
The long, flexible nose of an elephant.
The general word for 'nose', but when context is clear (e.g., talking about elephants), it means 'trunk'. Often specified as 象の鼻 (elephant's nose).
象は鼻で水を吸い上げる。
Elephants suck up water with their trunks.
A large, sturdy box with a lid, used for storage or travel.
A loanword from English, commonly used for a travel trunk or large storage chest.
トランクに衣類を詰めた。
I packed clothes into the trunk.
A traditional Japanese wicker trunk or basket, often used for storage or travel in the past. Less common today.
The enclosed space at the back of a car for storing luggage. Called 'boot' in British English.
The most common term for a car's trunk in Japanese, borrowed from American English.
トランクに荷物を入れてください。
Please put the luggage in the trunk.
Literally 'luggage compartment', used in more formal or technical descriptions of a vehicle's storage area.
この車の荷室は広い。
This car's trunk is spacious.
The main part of the human body, excluding the head, arms, and legs.
The standard term for the torso or trunk of a human or animal body.
彼は胴体を鍛える運動をしている。
He does exercises to strengthen his trunk.
Often used in fitness or medical contexts to refer to the core or trunk muscles.
トランク (trunk) refers to a large, rigid box, often used for storage or as a car's trunk. A suitcase with wheels and a handle is a スーツケース (suitcase). Using トランク for a modern suitcase can sound old-fashioned or incorrect.
When talking about elephants, 鼻 (nose) naturally means 'trunk'. If you need to be specific, say 象の鼻 (elephant's nose).
An old kimono came out of my grandmother's wicker trunk.
Trunk training is effective for improving posture.