腰

• Reading: こし
• Romaji: koshi
• Kanji breakdown: 腰 (koshi/you) — hip, waist, lower back
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɕi/

Meaning

Hip; waist; lower back. The area of the body between the ribs and the legs.

A noun referring to the waist and lower back area. Very common in everyday conversation, especially regarding pain (腰が痛い) or posture. Also used idiomatically: 腰が重い (reluctant to act), 腰が低い (humble), 腰を据える (to settle down and focus).

Examples

1. 長時間座っていたら腰が痛くなった。 My lower back started hurting after sitting for a long time.
2. 重い荷物を持つときは腰に気をつけて。 Be careful with your back when lifting heavy luggage.
3. 彼はいつも腰が低くて礼儀正しい人だ。 He's always humble and polite.

Usage Guide

Context: health, daily life, idioms

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 腰 combines 月 (flesh/body radical) and 要 (essential, waist). The waist was considered the essential pivot point of the body, connecting upper and lower halves.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal