骨(ほね)

骨(ほね) means bone (the body part) and also extends figuratively to mean framework, structure, or the essence of something. It is also used in many idiomatic expressions related to effort and difficulty.

Usage

• 傘(かさ)の骨(ほね): umbrella ribs
• 話(はなし)の骨(ほね): the backbone/framework of a story
• 骨組(ほねぐ)み: framework, structure

Common expressions

• 骨(ほね)を折(お)る: to break a bone; to make great effort
• 骨(ほね)が折(お)れる: to be laborious, demanding
• 骨抜(ほねぬ)きにする: to remove the backbone; to weaken/water down
• 骨(ほね)のある人(ひと): a person with backbone/guts

Compounds

• 骨格(こっかく): skeleton, physique
• 背骨(せぼね): spine, backbone
• 骨折(こっせつ): bone fracture
• 魚(さかな)の骨(ほね): fish bone