1.
chest area; bosom; the area around the upper chest and neckline
The front of the body around the upper chest, especially where clothing opens or closes. Often refers to the area visible at the neckline of clothing.
胸元が大きく開いた服。
Clothing with a wide-open neckline.
胸元にブローチをつけた。
I pinned a brooch to my chest.
風が強くて、着物の胸元がはだけてしまった。
The wind was so strong that the front of my kimono came open.
Composed of 胸 (chest) + 元 (area around). Refers specifically to the upper chest area, especially as it relates to clothing — the neckline, the opening of a shirt or kimono, or the area where accessories are worn.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 胸元が開く: the neckline is open
- 胸元がはだける: the chest area comes undone
- 胸元を正す: to straighten one's collar/clothing
- 胸元に手を当てる: to put one's hand to one's chest
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 胸: chest — the general body part; 胸元 focuses on the surface and clothing area
- 襟元: collar area — specifically the area around the collar of clothing
- 喉元: throat area — the front of the neck, slightly higher than 胸元