2

I just got told:

背高いし運動神経良さそう

Apparently 運動神経 means motor nerve: enter image description here

What does 運動神経が良い mean in this context? The conversation was about swimming, not something where reflexes are that important I believe.

2
  • Swimming as in competitive swimming? In which case reflexes would certainly be important I think...
    – kuchitsu
    Jun 2, 2016 at 9:01
  • @kuchitsu Low-level competition yes. Jun 2, 2016 at 9:03

4 Answers 4

5

In this context it does not have much to do with reflexes or nerves.

It just means "good at sports".

References:

1

A motor nerve is a nerve that carries command information out of the central nervous system (CNS) and toward effectors (muscles or glands) that will execute the commands.

Even if we take this definition literally, I think the expression ”運動神経が良い” is not too off. If we take motor nerve is good as transmitting information efficiently from CNS to muscles efficiently, I think it applies to real movement in sports.

1

運動神経 = motor nerves, reflexes

運動神経がいい = motor nerves, reflexes are good

Speaking of physical abilities, if your motor abilities or reflexes are good, chances are that you're the athletic type. It does take a good amount of reflex and reaction whenever playing a sport, especially for competition's sake.

0

I believe it's also a common way to express "gifted at sport(nerve)". Since it's mainly talking about physical capacity as talent.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .