1.
right arm
The physical right arm of the body.
右腕を怪我した。
I injured my right arm.
右腕に力を込めてボールを投げた。
I put all my strength into my right arm and threw the ball.
2.
right-hand man; most trusted aide
A person's most trusted and capable assistant or subordinate. Used figuratively, similar to English "right-hand man."
彼がいなくなったら、右腕を失ったも同然だ。
If he leaves, it will be like losing my right-hand man.
彼女は社長の右腕として長年会社を支えてきた。
She has supported the company for many years as the president's right-hand woman.
監督の右腕と呼ばれるコーチが、選手たちの信頼を集めている。
The coach who is called the manager's right-hand man has earned the trust of the players.
USAGE:
The literal meaning (sense 1) is straightforward. The figurative meaning (sense 2) is very common and describes a person who is indispensable to a leader or organization. The figurative usage often appears with patterns like ～の右腕 or 右腕として.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 右腕を失う (to lose one's right-hand man)
- ～の右腕として (as someone's right-hand man)
- 右腕と呼ばれる (to be called someone's right-hand man)
- 右腕を務める (to serve as someone's right-hand man)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 右腕: right-hand man (most trusted person)
- 片腕: one's right hand (figuratively; same meaning as sense 2)
- 腹心: confidant (trusted aide, more formal and literary)
- 側近: close aide (often in political contexts)