筋肉

• Reading: きんにく
• Romaji: kinniku
• Kanji breakdown: 筋 (kin) — sinew, muscle fiber; 肉 (niku) — meat, flesh
• Pronunciation: /kiɴ.ni.kɯ/

Meaning

Muscle. The tissue in the body responsible for movement and strength.

A common noun used in both medical and fitness contexts. Frequently appears in compounds like 筋肉痛 (muscle pain/soreness). In recent years, fitness culture has made this a trendy word, with 筋肉トレーニング (muscle training) often shortened to 筋トレ.

Examples

1. 運動した次の日は筋肉が痛いです。 My muscles are sore the day after exercising.
2. 筋肉をつけるためにジムに通っている。 I've been going to the gym to build muscle.
3. ストレッチをして筋肉をほぐしましょう。 Let's stretch to loosen up our muscles.

Usage Guide

Context: fitness, medical, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 筋 (sinew, muscle fiber) and 肉 (meat, flesh). Together they describe the fleshy tissue composed of muscle fibers.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal