Translation and Meaning of: 筋 - suji

The Japanese word 筋[すじ] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from everyday use to more specific expressions. Whether you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and uses can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written, and in what situations Japanese people commonly use it.

Additionally, we will see how 筋[すじ] connects with cultural and linguistic aspects of Japan, including some common expressions that use it. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo offers detailed explanations about terms like this, helping students to master the language practically.

Meaning and uses of 筋 [すじ]

In its most basic form, 筋[すじ] can mean "line," "fiber," or "vein," depending on the context. For example, when talking about muscles, it refers to muscle fibers (筋肉 - きんにく). In a map, it can indicate a line or outline, as in 道筋[みちすじ], which means "path" or "route." This versatility makes the word frequently used in everyday life.

Another interesting use is in expressions that indicate logic or coherence. If someone says 話の筋が通っている[はなしのすじがとおっている], it means that the argument presented "makes sense" or "is consistent." This abstract sense shows how Japanese often uses concrete terms to describe more complex ideas.

Origin and writing of the kanji 筋

The kanji 筋 is composed of two radicals: 竹 (bamboo) and 月 (meat, muscle). This combination suggests the idea of strong fibers, like those found in bamboo or muscles. Historically, the character was adapted from ancient Chinese, but its use in Japanese has gained its own nuances over time.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji is the same, the reading すじ is just one of many possible ones. In compounds like 筋肉[きんにく] (muscle) or 筋道[すじみち] (logic, method), the pronunciation changes. This is common in Japanese and reinforces the importance of learning vocabulary in context, not just in isolation.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to remember the meaning of 筋[すじ] is to associate it with something linear or fibrous. Think of a stretched wire or the muscles of the body – both follow a clear "line." This mental image can help reinforce the term, especially if you are just starting to learn Japanese.

In addition, the word appears in various animes and mangas, especially in contexts of physical training or martial arts. If you consume this type of content, paying attention when 筋[すじ] is mentioned can be a natural way to absorb its meaning without memorizing vocabulary lists.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 筋道 (sujimichi) - Logical path, order of events.
• 筋肉 (kinniku) - Muscle.
• 筋書き (sujigaki) - Script, structure of a story.
• 筋合い (sujiai) - Foundation, valid reason for something.
• 筋違い (sujichigai) - Deviation, error (in reasoning).
• 筋金入り (sujikaniri) - Unyielding, truly dedicated.
• 筋繊維 (suji-sen'i) - Muscle fibers.
• 筋力 (kinryoku) - Muscle strength.
• 筋骨 (sukotsu) - Bone and muscle, physical health.
• 筋膜 (sujimaku) - Muscle fascia.
• 筋肉質 (kinniku shitsu) - Muscular, muscle building.
• 筋肉痛 (kinniku tsuu) - Muscle soreness, usually after exercise.
• 筋肉疲労 (kinniku hirou) - Muscle fatigue.
• 筋肉発達 (kinniku hattatsu) - Muscle development.
• 筋肉増強 (kinniku zoukyou) - Muscle gain, mass gain.
• 筋肉トレーニング (kinniku toreeningu) - Muscle training.
• 筋肉トレ (kinniku tore) - Muscle training, an abbreviated version.
• 筋肉マッサージ (kinniku massaaji) - Muscle massage.

筋

Romaji: suji
Kana: すじ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: muscle; rope; line; stripe; plot; plan; senoww

Meaning in English: muscle;string;line;stripe;plot;plan;sinew

Definition: the reason and the reason for things.

Example Sentences - (筋) suji

See below some example sentences:

この小説の粗筋を教えてください。

Kono shousetsu no sosujin wo oshiete kudasai

Please tell me the synopsis of this novel.

Please tell me the approximate line of this novel.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
• 小説 - noun meaning "novel" or "fictional story"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 粗筋 - noun meaning "outline" or "basic summary"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 教えて - verb meaning "teach" or "inform"
• ください - expression indicating a polite request

一筋の道を進む

Issun no michi wo susumu

Go forward in a straight path.

follow the road

• 一筋 - a straight line, a single direction
• の - possessive particle, indicating that the previous word is the possessor
• 道 - path, road
• を - direct object particle, indicating that the previous word is the object of the action
• 進む - Move forward, progress

筋肉が弛むとリラックスできる。

Kin'niku ga yurumu to rirakkusu dekiru

You can relax when your muscles are loose.

• 筋肉 (kin'niku) - Muscle
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 弛む (yurumu) - relax, loosen
• と (to) - conditional particle
• リラックス (rirakkusu) - to relax
• できる (dekiru) - to be able to, can

筋肉が大切です。

Kin'niku ga taisetsu desu

The muscles are important.

• 筋肉 (kin'niku) - Muscle
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense