すね

Can be written as 脛(すね) in kanji, but the hiragana form is more common in everyday writing. The shin is a notoriously sensitive and unprotected area, making it a frequent site of minor injuries.

Common expressions

The expression 親(おや)のすねをかじる (to gnaw on a parent's shin) means to live off one's parents financially — to be dependent on them for support as an adult.

Common collocations

• すねを蹴(け)る — to kick the shin
• すねをぶつける — to bang one's shin
• すね当(あ)て — shin guard, shin pad
• 親(おや)のすねをかじる — to live off one's parents

Related words

• 膝(ひざ) — knee
• ふくらはぎ — calf (back of the lower leg)
• 足首(あしくび) — ankle