Shoulder meanings in Japanese

肩 (かた, kata)

Example:

He has broad shoulders.

彼は肩幅が広いです。

I hurt my shoulder while lifting weights.

ウェイトを持ち上げているときに肩を痛めました。

Usage: InformalContext: Physical description or health-related discussions.

Note: This is the most common meaning, referring to the part of the body that connects the arm to the torso.

肩書き (かたがき, katagaki)

Example:

What is your job title?

あなたの肩書きは何ですか？

His title is Manager.

彼の肩書きはマネージャーです。

Usage: FormalContext: Professional or academic settings.

Note: This term refers to a title or designation someone holds, often used in formal or business contexts.

肩代わり (かたがわり, katagawari)

Example:

He took over the debt for his friend.

彼は友達の借金を肩代わりした。

She offered to shoulder my responsibilities.

彼女は私の責任を肩代わりすることを提案した。

Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Situations involving responsibility or financial obligations.

Note: This term is used when one person assumes another person's burden or responsibility.

肩を並べる (かたをならべる, kata o naraberu)

Example:

They stood shoulder to shoulder.

彼らは肩を並べて立っていました。

She is now able to stand shoulder to shoulder with her peers.

彼女は今、仲間たちと肩を並べられるようになりました。

Usage: InformalContext: Describing equality or close proximity in context.

Note: This idiomatic expression signifies being equal or standing closely together, either physically or in terms of status.

肩身 (かたみ, katami)

Example:

He feels uncomfortable in his own skin.

彼は肩身が狭いと感じている。

She felt out of place at the party.

彼女はパーティーで肩身が狭かった。

Usage: InformalContext: Describing feelings of awkwardness or discomfort in social situations.

Note: This term is often used to express feelings of being out of place or uncomfortable in a situation.

arm

The arm is the upper limb of the body between the shoulder and the elbow.

Example: He carried the heavy box on his arm.

Note: While the shoulder is a specific part of the body, the arm refers to the entire upper limb.

upper arm

The upper arm is the part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow.

Example: She felt a sharp pain in her upper arm after the workout.

Note: This synonym specifically refers to the part of the arm closest to the shoulder.

deltoid

The deltoid is a large, triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint.

Example: He felt soreness in his deltoid muscle after lifting weights.

Note: Deltoid is a more anatomical term specifically referring to the shoulder muscle.

shoulder joint

The shoulder joint is the joint where the humerus (upper arm bone) meets the scapula (shoulder blade).

Example: The doctor examined her shoulder joint for any signs of injury.

Note: This synonym refers to the actual joint at the shoulder rather than the entire shoulder area.

Shoulder the responsibility

To take on or accept a responsibility or burden.

Example: He always shoulders the responsibility for the team's success.

Note: In this idiom, 'shoulder' is used metaphorically to mean taking on a responsibility, not referring to the physical body part.

Look over someone's shoulder

To watch or supervise someone closely, often in a way that makes them feel monitored or pressured.

Example: She felt uncomfortable with her boss looking over her shoulder while she worked.

Note: Here, 'shoulder' is used figuratively to mean being physically close to someone, not the literal body part.

Shoulder to shoulder

To stand or work closely alongside someone, offering support and unity.

Example: The teammates stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to face the challenge together.

Note: This phrase emphasizes unity and collaboration rather than the physical body part.

Cry on someone's shoulder

To seek comfort or emotional support from someone.

Example: After the breakup, she needed to cry on her best friend's shoulder.

Note: In this case, 'shoulder' represents a place of emotional support, not the literal body part.

Cold shoulder

To deliberately ignore or be unfriendly towards someone.

Example: She gave him the cold shoulder after their argument.

Note: Here, 'shoulder' is used to convey the act of showing indifference or rejection, not referring to the physical body part.

Stand on the shoulders of giants

To build upon the work or achievements of those who preceded you.

Example: As a scientist, she stood on the shoulders of giants who came before her.

Note: In this idiom, 'shoulder' symbolizes the foundation or support provided by those who came before, not the literal body part.

Chip on one's shoulder

To have a persistent attitude of being easily offended or ready to fight.

Example: He always seems to have a chip on his shoulder, ready to argue with anyone who challenges him.

Note: In this phrase, 'shoulder' refers to carrying a grudge or readiness for confrontation, not the physical body part.

Shoulder a burden

To take on or bear a burden or responsibility.

Example: I can't believe you're still shouldering all the work in the group project.

Note: The slang term is more informal and implies carrying a heavy load or responsibility.

Shoulder surgery

A medical procedure to correct issues or injuries related to the shoulder.

Example: My uncle had to get shoulder surgery after his skiing accident.

Note: This slang term specifically refers to a surgical procedure on the shoulder.

Shoulder the blame

To accept or take responsibility for a mistake or fault.

Example: I'll shoulder the blame for the mistake; it was my fault.

Note: Similar to 'Shoulder the responsibility', but focuses specifically on taking the blame for something.

Shoulder a weapon

To carry or hold a weapon, usually a firearm, on one's shoulder.

Example: The soldier shouldered his rifle and prepared for battle.

Note: Refers to carrying a weapon in a specific position, ready for use.

Shoulder check

A quick glance over one's shoulder to check blind spots or surroundings.

Example: Before changing lanes, always do a quick shoulder check to ensure it's safe.

Note: Different from 'Look over someone's shoulder', it refers to a physical check for safety while driving or moving.

Shoulder brush

When two people's shoulders lightly touch or bump against each other.

Example: As they passed each other, there was a brief shoulder brush between them.

Note: Describes a physical interaction that's often accidental or subtle.

Shoulder dance

The act of maneuvering or shuffling one's shoulders to navigate through a tight space or crowd.

Example: In crowded places, you might need to do the shoulder dance to move through the crowd.

Note: Refers to a makeshift dance-like movement used for practical purposes.

My shoulder hurts from carrying this heavy bag.

She wore a dress with a delicate lace shoulder.

Hang your coat on the shoulder of the chair.

Shoulder - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: shoulder

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): shoulders

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): shoulder

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): shouldered

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): shouldering

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): shoulders

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): shoulder

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): shoulder

Syllabification and Stress

shoulder Contains 2 syllables: shoul • der

Phonetic transcription: ˈshōl-dər

shoul der , ˈshōl dər (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

shoulder: ~ 1100 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Shoulder