Translation and Meaning of: 筋肉 - kinniku

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 筋肉 (kinniku) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: kinniku

Kana: きんにく

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

筋肉

Translation / Meaning: muscle; tendon

Meaning in English: muscle;sinew

Definition: The muscles are organs that move the body and are tissues that contract during exercise or application of force.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
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- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (筋肉) kinniku

The Japanese word 「筋肉」 (kinniku) is composed of two kanji: 「筋」 (kin), which means "muscle" or "fiber," and 「肉」 (niku), which means "meat" or "muscle tissue." When combined, they form the word for "muscle" in Japanese, referring to the tissue made up of fibers that are capable of contracting and thus generating movement. The etymology of this word relates to universal biological concepts, recognized in various cultures, related to strength and bodily movement.

The term 「筋肉」 is widely used in various contexts, from physical training to medicine. In gyms, the word is often heard in conversations about "muscle training" or "muscle development," which are central aspects of many exercise regimens. In medicine and biology, 「筋肉」 describes the anatomy and physiology of muscle fibers, essential for human and animal functioning.

In addition to its presence in popular culture through sports and fitness, 「筋肉」 carries significant weight in health areas, such as muscle rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Variants of the word, like 「筋肉痛」 (kinniku tsū), meaning "muscle pain," are used to describe temporary conditions related to physical exertion. This variation is well-known among many athletes and fitness enthusiasts who experience pain after intense workouts.

Curiously, in Japan, the reference to muscles is not limited to the human body. In food contexts, especially in Japanese cuisine, the term can occasionally be used to describe the texture and quality of meat in dishes, indicating the density and juiciness of the ingredient. Funnily, 「筋肉」 also appears in pop culture discussions, in comics and anime, where muscular characters often use physical strength as a central feature of their stories.