胸

• Reading: むね
• Romaji: mune
• Kanji breakdown: 胸 (mune/kyou) — chest, breast, heart
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.ne/

Meaning

Chest; breast; heart (figurative). The front of the torso or one's inner feelings.

A noun referring to both the physical chest area and figurative emotions housed there. Used in many emotional expressions: 胸が痛む (one's heart aches), 胸がいっぱい (to be overwhelmed with emotion), 胸を張る (to be proud, lit. to puff out one's chest). Also used in medical and physical contexts.

Examples

1. 感動して胸がいっぱいになった。 I was so moved that my heart was full.
2. 運動した後に胸が痛くなった。 My chest hurt after exercising.
3. 胸を張って堂々と歩きなさい。 Stand tall and walk with confidence.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, body, health

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 胸 contains 月 (body/flesh radical) and 匈 (a phonetic element). Originally referred to the physical chest area, later extended to encompass the seat of emotions.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal