1.
flank; side of the body
The side of the torso between the ribs and the hip. Used in contexts of physical pain, injury, or body description.
脇腹が痛い。
My side hurts.
走っていたら脇腹がつってきた。
I got a stitch in my side while running.
友達に脇腹をつつかれて、思わず笑ってしまった。
My friend poked me in the side, and I couldn't help but laugh.
The area on the side of the torso, roughly from the lower ribs to the hip.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 脇腹が痛む (one's side aches)
- 脇腹をつつく (poke someone in the side)
- 脇腹を押さえる (hold one's side)
- 脇腹がつる (get a cramp in one's side)
In martial arts and combat contexts, 脇腹 refers to a vulnerable spot that can be targeted. In everyday life, it most often comes up when discussing side stitches from running or being tickled.