軟骨(なんこつ)

なんこつ
noun
cartilage
1. cartilage
Flexible connective tissue found in joints, ears, nose, and other parts of the body. Provides cushioning and structure.
膝(ひざ)の軟骨(なんこつ)がすり減(へ)ってきた。
The cartilage in my knee is wearing down.
耳(みみ)の軟骨(なんこつ)にピアスを開(あ)けた。
I got my ear cartilage pierced.
2. cartilage (as food)
Chicken cartilage served as a food item, popular in Japanese cuisine, especially at yakitori restaurants.
焼(や)き鳥屋(とりや)で軟骨(なんこつ)を注文(ちゅうもん)した。
I ordered cartilage at the yakitori restaurant.

TYPES:

  • 硝子軟骨(しょうしなんこつ): hyaline cartilage (joints, ribs)
  • 弾性軟骨(だんせいなんこつ): elastic cartilage (ear, nose)
  • 線維軟骨(せんいなんこつ): fibrocartilage (spine discs)

MEDICAL TERMS:

  • 軟骨損傷(なんこつそんしょう): cartilage damage
  • 変形性関節症(へんけいせいかんせつしょう): osteoarthritis (involves cartilage)

AS FOOD:

At 焼(や)き鳥(とり) (yakitori) restaurants:

  • 軟骨(なんこつ) / なんこつ: chicken cartilage (crunchy texture)
  • やげん軟骨(やげんなんこつ): breast cartilage
  • ひざ軟骨(ひざなんこつ): knee cartilage

Popular for its unique crunchy texture.

general
Added 2026.1.17 2:27 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
05500/05964_nankotsu