右腕(みぎうで)

みぎうで
noun
right arm; right-hand man
body-partperson
1. right arm
The physical right arm of the body.
右腕(みぎうで)を怪我(けが)した。
I injured my right arm.
右腕(みぎうで)に力(ちから)を込(こ)めてボールを投(な)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(かれ)がいなくなったら、右腕(みぎうで)を失(うしな)ったも同然(どうぜん)だ。
If he leaves, it will be like losing my right-hand man.
彼女(かのじょ)は社長(しゃちょう)の右腕(みぎうで)として長年(ながねん)会社(かいしゃ)を支(ささ)えてきた。
She has supported the company for many years as the president's right-hand woman.
監督(かんとく)の右腕(みぎうで)と呼(よ)ばれるコーチが、選手(せんしゅ)たちの信頼(しんらい)を集(あつ)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(みぎうで) or 右腕(みぎうで)として.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 右腕(みぎうで): right-hand man (most trusted person)
  • 片腕(かたうで): one's right hand (figuratively; same meaning as sense 2)
  • 腹心(ふくしん): confidant (trusted aide, more formal and literary)
  • 側近(そっきん): close aide (often in political contexts)

Related Words

Compare: 片腕(かたうで) (one's right hand (figuratively)
Compare: 腹心(ふくしん) (confidant)
general
Added 2026.3.4 14:51 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14906_migiude