Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

What is the Kanji for 'Loins' and 'Waist'? | 腰

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Loins' and 'Waist', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Loins' and 'Waist' is 腰.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Loins, Waist

    Reading

    kunyomiこし

    koshi

    onyomiよう

    you

    Parts

    Meat Important, Need

    Example Word

    腰: waist or lower back. The Japanese noun '腰 (こし)' primarily refers to the 'waist' or 'lower back' area of the body. It is commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. For example, it can describe the physical part of the body, as in: my waist hurts「腰が痛い」(こしがいたい). It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's resolve or determination, as in: he has a strong will「彼は腰が強い」(かれはこしがつよい). Additionally, '腰' is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as '腰を据える (こしをすえる)', which means 'to settle down' or 'to focus on something seriously'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    569

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Meat

    kanji

    Meaning

    Important, Need

Words Using

This kanji is used in 3 words:

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 20 kanji contain the part 肉 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Remove, Undress

    kanji

    Meaning

    Brain

    kanji

    Meaning

    Entrails, Viscera

    kanji

    Meaning

    Back, Height

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bone

    kanji

    Meaning

    Shoulder

    kanji

    Meaning

    Intestine

    kanji

    Meaning

    Liver

    kanji

    Meaning

    Assent, Agreement

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lung

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fat, Grease

    kanji

    Meaning

    Skin

    kanji

    Meaning

    Leg

    kanji

    Meaning

    Womb, Uterus

    kanji

    Meaning

    Limb, Arms & legs

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gallbladder, Guts

    kanji

    Meaning

    Threaten

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rot

    kanji

    Meaning

    Resemble, Resemblance

    kanji

    Meaning

    Stature, Height

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 腰 mean?

腰 means 'Loins' and 'Waist'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Junior Highschool, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N2 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.