丸 腰(まるごし)

まるごし

noun, no-adjective

unarmed; without weapons; defenseless

1. unarmed; without weapons

Originally, a samurai without a sword at the waist. Now used literally for being without weapons or figuratively for being unprepared or defenseless.

丸腰(まるごし)で戦(たたか)う。

To fight unarmed.

犯人(はんにん)は丸腰(まるごし)だった。

The suspect was unarmed.

武器(ぶき)を持(も)った相手(あいて)に丸腰(まるごし)で立(た)ち向(む)かった。

He stood up to an armed opponent while unarmed.

2. unprepared; defenseless; empty-handed

Figuratively, going into a situation without the tools, knowledge, or preparation needed. Entering a confrontation or negotiation at a disadvantage.

資料(しりょう)も用意(ようい)せず丸腰(まるごし)で会議(かいぎ)に出(で)た。

I went to the meeting unprepared, without any materials.

交渉(こうしょう)の場(ば)に丸腰(まるごし)で行(い)くわけにはいかない。

I can't go to the negotiation table empty-handed.

丸腰(まるごし)で面接(めんせつ)に臨(のぞ)んだが、意外(いがい)と上手(うま)くいった。

I went into the interview unprepared, but it went surprisingly well.

From 丸(まる) (bare/completely) + 腰(こし) (waist/hip). In the samurai era, swords were worn at the waist, so 丸腰(まるごし) meant a bare waist — no sword. Used as a no-adjective modifier (丸腰(まるごし)の).

Common collocations

丸腰(まるごし)で挑(いど)む: to take on a challenge unarmed/unprepared
丸腰(まるごし)の状態(じょうたい): an unarmed/defenseless state
丸腰(まるごし)で立(た)ち向(む)かう: to face something defenseless

Similar words

素手(すで): bare-handed — emphasizes using only one's hands, without tools or weapons
無防備(むぼうび): defenseless; unguarded — emphasizes vulnerability and lack of defense
手ぶら: empty-handed — refers to not carrying anything; often used casually for visiting without gifts

Related Words

Compare: 素手(すで) (bare-handed)

Compare: 無防備(むぼうび) (defenseless)

Compare: 丸裸(まるはだか) (stark naked)

Compare: 空拳(くうけん) (bare fists)

general

Added 2026.5.8 1:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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