Translation guide
The joint connecting the hand to the forearm. In Japanese, the most common word is 手首 (tekubi). There are also anatomical terms and related expressions for wrist accessories and actions.
Referring to the wrist as a body part in everyday conversation.
The standard, everyday word for 'wrist'. Literally 'hand neck'.
An alternative kanji for 手首, using 頸 (neck). Rarely used; 手首 is overwhelmingly more common.
手頸を骨折した。
I fractured my wrist.
Referring to the wrist in a medical or anatomical context.
Anatomical term for 'wrist joint'. Used in medical contexts.
手関節の可動域を調べる。
Examine the range of motion of the wrist joint.
Highly specific anatomical term: radiocarpal joint. Only used by specialists.
橈骨手根関節の損傷が見られる。
Damage to the radiocarpal joint is observed.
Talking about items worn on the wrist, like watches or bracelets.
Wristwatch. The most common wrist accessory. Note: uses 腕 (arm), not 手首.
新しい腕時計を買った。
I bought a new wristwatch.
Wristband, sweatband. Loanword from English 'wristband'.
Describing actions like grabbing, twisting, or slapping the wrist.
To grab someone's wrist.
彼は私の手首をつかんだ。
He grabbed my wrist.
To twist someone's wrist (e.g., in martial arts or an accident).
転んで手首をひねった。
I fell and twisted my wrist.
To cut one's wrist. Sensitive topic; usually refers to self-harm.
This phrase is strongly associated with suicide or self-harm. Use with extreme care.
彼は手首を切って自殺を図った。
He attempted suicide by cutting his wrists.
手首 specifically means the wrist joint. 腕 means the entire arm from shoulder to wrist, or sometimes just the forearm. When talking about watches, 腕時計 (udedokei) is used, not 手首時計.
手首 is often used in compound words related to the wrist, such as 手首関節 (wrist joint) or 手首骨折 (wrist fracture). However, for accessories, 腕 (ude) or loanwords are more common.
Bracelet. Loanword from English.
彼女は銀のブレスレットをしている。
She is wearing a silver bracelet.
I wear a wristband when playing tennis.