1.
upper arm
The part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow, often a focus of fitness and beauty discussions in Japanese.
I'm bothered by the flab on my upper arms and can't wear sleeveless tops.
ETYMOLOGY: 二の腕 literally means "second arm," historically referring to the upper arm as opposed to the forearm (前腕). In older Japanese, 一の腕 referred to the forearm.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 二の腕のたるみ (upper arm flab/sagging)
- 二の腕を引き締める (to tone the upper arms)
- 二の腕のダイエット (diet/exercise for upper arms)
- 二の腕が太い (thick upper arms)
- 二の腕シェイプ (upper arm shaping)
BODY IMAGE CONTEXT: In Japanese beauty culture, 二の腕 often appears in discussions about appearance, especially regarding concerns about arm flab (振り袖 - "swinging sleeves" is a slang term for flabby upper arms).
MEDICAL/ANATOMICAL TERM:
- 上腕 (upper arm - formal medical term)
- 上腕二頭筋 (biceps)
- 上腕三頭筋 (triceps)
RELATED BODY PARTS:
Related Words
Related:
手の甲 (back of hand)