Meaning
The kanji 腰 chiefly refers to the "waist," "hip," or "lower back" area of the human body. This region, located between the ribs and the pelvis, is crucial for movement, support, and balance. Beyond its literal anatomical meaning, 腰 also takes on several nuanced and idiomatic senses in Japanese.
For instance, it can represent one's "stance," "posture," or even one's "attitude" or "demeanor." 腰が低い (koshi ga hikui) means to be humble or modest, literally 'having a low waist' (suggesting a deep bow). Conversely, 腰が重い (koshi ga omoi) describes someone who is slow to act or reluctant, literally 'having a heavy waist.' It can also signify determination or resolve, as in 腰を据える (koshi o sueru), meaning to settle down and commit seriously to something.
The kanji 腰 is a phono-semantic compound. The left-hand radical, 月 (tsuki), known as にくづき (niku-zuki) when it appears on the left side of a kanji, is the "flesh" or "body part" radical. This immediately signals its connection to the human body. The right-hand component, 𠬝 (a variant of 要, meaning 'pivot' or 'essential'), serves as the phonetic element, giving the kanji its On'yomi sound of ヨウ (yō). It also subtly suggests the idea of something central or essential. Thus, the combination visually represents the 'flesh' part of the body that serves as a 'pivot' or 'essential' connection between the upper and lower body – the waist/hip. This kanji has 13 strokes and is taught in the 6th grade of Japanese elementary school.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 腰 is ヨウ (YŌ). This reading is typically used in compound words, especially those with a more formal, medical, or technical connotation. This reading is rarely used for the kanji by itself. When you encounter 腰 in medical terms or in a more academic context, it's highly likely to take the ヨウ reading.
- 腰痛 (yōtsū) — lower back pain. This is one of the most common compounds using the On'yomi reading, directly referring to pain in the lumbar region.
- 腰部 (yōbu) — lumbar region, waist area. Often used in anatomical descriptions or medical reports.
- 腰椎 (yōtsui) — lumbar vertebra. This term is specific to the bones of the lower spine and clearly illustrates the medical usage of the ヨウ reading.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi reading for 腰 is こし (koshi). This is the most common and versatile reading, used when the kanji appears by itself or in compound words that are more colloquial or deeply embedded in native Japanese expressions. It directly refers to the physical waist or hip and is central to many common idioms and phrases.
- 腰 (koshi) — waist, hip, loins. This is the common noun form, used in everyday conversation to refer to this body part.
- 腰掛 (koshikake) — a seat, a bench. Derived from the verb 腰掛ける (koshikakeru), meaning to sit down.
- 腰を下ろす (koshi o orosu) — to sit down. A common phrase illustrating the literal use of 腰 in an action.
- 腰が痛い (koshi ga itai) — My back/waist hurts. A fundamental expression related to physical discomfort.
Common Words & Compounds
You'll find the kanji 腰 in a wide array of Japanese words and expressions, highlighting its importance both as a literal body part and in various metaphorical contexts. Understanding these compounds will deepen your grasp of its usage.
Anatomy & Medical Terms
- 腰 (koshi) — waist, hip, lower back. The basic and most direct term.
- 腰痛 (yōtsū) — lower back pain, lumbago. A very common medical term.
- 腰椎 (yōtsui) — lumbar vertebra. Refers to the bones in the lower spine.
- 腰部 (yōbu) — lumbar region, waist area. Often used in formal descriptions of the body.
Actions & States
- 腰掛ける (koshikakeru) — to sit down. A verb describing the action of settling one's hips onto a seat.
- 腰を下ろす (koshi o orosu) — to sit down. A common idiomatic expression for sitting.
- 腰が低い (koshi ga hikui) — humble, modest, polite. Literally "having a low waist," referring to bowing deeply.
- 腰が重い (koshi ga omoi) — slow to act, reluctant, lazy. Literally "having a heavy waist," implying a disinclination to move.
- 腰を抜かす (koshi o nukasu) — to be dumbfounded, to be stunned, to lose one's nerve. Literally "to lose one's waist," suggesting a loss of strength or control.
- 腰を据える (koshi o sueru) — to settle down, to get down to business, to take a firm stance. Literally "to set one's waist," indicating stability and resolve.
Other Common Terms
- 腰帯 (koshi-obi) — a sash worn around the waist, especially with traditional Japanese clothing like a kimono.
- 本腰 (hongoshi) — serious effort, earnestness. The "本" (hon) means genuine or real, so it implies putting genuine effort or commitment into something.
- 腰高窓 (koshidakamado) — a high-waisted window. A window whose sill is set relatively high, typically above waist level.
Example Sentences
お年寄りは腰が痛いと言っていました。
Otoshiyori wa koshi ga itai to itte imashita.
The elderly person said their back hurt.
ソファーに腰掛けてテレビを見ました。
Sofā ni koshikakete terebi o mimashita.
I sat down on the sofa and watched TV.
長い時間座っていると、腰に負担がかかります。
Nagai jikan suwatte iru to, koshi ni futan ga kakarimasu.
Sitting for a long time puts a strain on your lower back.
彼は誰にでも腰が低く、とても謙虚な人です。
Kare wa dare ni demo koshi ga hikuku, totても kenkyo na hito desu.
He is humble towards everyone and a very modest person.
重い物を持ち上げる際は、腰を痛めないように注意してください。
Omoi mono o mochiageru sai wa, koshi o itamenai yō ni chūi shite kudasai.
When lifting heavy objects, please be careful not to hurt your back.
この仕事に本腰を入れて、成功させたいです。
Kono shigoto ni hongoshi o irete, seikō sasetai desu.
I want to put serious effort into this job and make it a success.
彼は急な報告に腰を抜かして、声も出なかった。
Kare wa kyū na hōkoku ni koshi o nukashite, koe mo denakatta.
He was dumbfounded by the sudden report and couldn't even speak.
医者によると、腰痛の原因は姿勢が悪いことだそうです。
Isha ni yoru to, yōtsū no gen'in wa shisei ga warui koto da sō desu.
According to the doctor, the cause of the back pain is poor posture.
彼女は椅子にしっかりと腰を据えて、論文を書き始めた。
Kanojo wa isu ni shikkari to koshi o suete, ronbun o kaki hajimeta.
She settled herself firmly in the chair and began writing her thesis.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 腰 (waist, hip), let's break it down into its components. On the left, we have the radical 月 (niku-zuki), which is the "flesh" or "body part" radical. This immediately tells us that the kanji is related to the human body.
On the right, we have a component resembling 要, which itself can mean 'main point' or 'essential.' Picture this right side as a person bending their back or carrying a heavy load. The part of your 'flesh' (月) that bears this burden and acts as the 'essential' pivot for bending is your waist or hip. Consider your waist as the central, essential part of your body for movement and support, crucial for carrying the weight of your upper body.