肌肉

• Pinyin: jī ròu
• Hanzi breakdown: 肌 = 月 (flesh radical) + 几 (small); 肉 = pictograph of meat/flesh

Meaning

Muscle. Body tissue that enables movement.

Refers to muscle tissue in the body. Used in fitness, medical, and everyday contexts. 肌肉男 is a common term for a muscular man. Can be used figuratively to refer to strength or power.

Examples

1. 健身教练说增加肌肉需要蛋白质和持续锻炼。 The fitness trainer said building muscle requires protein and consistent exercise.
2. 他跑完马拉松后全身肌肉酸痛了好几天。 After running the marathon, his whole body had muscle soreness for several days.
3. 医生检查了她腿部的肌肉，确认没有拉伤。 The doctor examined the muscles in her leg and confirmed there was no strain.

Usage Guide

Context: fitness, health, medical, sports

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我需要锻炼一下肌肉。(I need to work out my muscles.)
• 这块肌肉有点紧，需要放松。(This muscle is a bit tight; it needs to relax.)

Don't Say

• 他吃了很多肌肉 (肌肉 is muscle tissue, not food — for meat you eat, just use 肉)

Origin & History

Compound of 肌 (muscle, flesh) + 肉 (meat, flesh), both characters containing the 月 radical related to body/flesh.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal