脇腹(わきばら)

The area on the side of the torso, roughly from the lower ribs to the hip.

Common collocations

• 脇腹(わきばら)が痛(いた)む (one's side aches)
• 脇腹(わきばら)をつつく (poke someone in the side)
• 脇腹(わきばら)を押(お)さえる (hold one's side)
• 脇腹(わきばら)がつる (get a cramp in one's side)

In martial arts and combat contexts, 脇腹(わきばら) 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.