骨（ほね、hone）
- bone

The Japanese word 骨 骨 (pronounced ほね - hone) primarily means "bone." It refers to the hard, rigid parts that form the framework of the body, providing support and protection. The word 骨 can also be used figuratively to express the essence, core, or fundamental part of something. It can also be used in phrases to describe the degree of exhaustion or effort.

⚫︎犬の骨 Translation: Dog's bone ⚫︎骨を折る Translation: To make an effort; to go to great lengths ⚫︎この問題の骨格 Translation: The framework/outline of this problem

You use 骨 when discussing anatomy, the skeletal structure, or the physical remains of something. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, medical contexts, and even when discussing the structure or essence of abstract concepts. The word 骨 is often used in compound words and idiomatic expressions.

The word 骨 is typically written with the kanji 骨. The hiragana reading is ほね. There are no common variations in okurigana.

There aren't many direct synonyms for "bone" in Japanese, but words related to the body or structure could be considered similar in meaning depending on the context: ⚫︎骨格 (こっかく - kokkaku): Skeleton; skeletal structure ⚫︎体 (からだ - karada): Body ⚫︎幹 (みき - miki): Trunk (of a tree), core, framework

There aren't specific antonyms in the same sense as opposites for a word like "bone", but in figurative usage you might use a word that describes what the 骨 isn't: ⚫︎肉 (にく - niku): Meat (this is not a direct opposite but it relates to the body) ⚫︎皮 (かわ - kawa): Skin

彼は事故で骨を折ってしまった。 ・Translation: He broke a bone in the accident. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 骨 to describe a physical injury.

このプロジェクトの骨子はまだ決まっていない。 ・Translation: The framework of this project hasn't been decided yet. ・Explanation: 骨子 is used here to describe the essential structure or outline of the project.

The etymology of 骨 is not fully agreed upon, but it's believed that the word has existed in Japanese for a very long time, appearing in ancient Japanese texts. It is a native Japanese word (yamato kotoba).