Translation guide
The English word 'abs' most commonly refers to abdominal muscles. This guide covers how to talk about abs in Japanese, including anatomy, fitness, and casual conversation.
abs (muscles)
six-pack abs
Referring to the rectus abdominis or the 'six-pack' muscles, in contexts like exercise, body image, or health.
The most common and direct translation for 'abs' in both anatomical and fitness contexts. It can refer to the muscles themselves or exercises targeting them.
I train my abs every day.
My abs are starting to show (literally 'split').
Anatomical term for the rectus abdominis muscle. Used in medical or highly technical contexts.
Referring to exercises that target the abdominal muscles, such as crunches or sit-ups.
General term for abdominal exercises. Often shortened to just 腹筋 in context.
I do 100 ab exercises every day.
Loanword for 'crunch', a specific type of abdominal exercise. Common in gym settings.
Loanword for 'sit-up'. Less common than 腹筋 or クランチ, but understood in fitness contexts.
Sit-ups put strain on the lower back.
Referring to the belly or stomach area in a casual, non-anatomical way, often about appearance or touch.
Polite and common word for 'stomach' or 'belly'. Used in everyday conversation, not specifically for muscles.
My belly is sticking out.
Let me touch your abs/belly.
More casual or masculine word for 'stomach'. Can sound rough or informal.
腹筋 (fukkin) specifically means abdominal muscles, while お腹 (onaka) is the general belly/stomach area. Use 腹筋 when talking about muscle definition or exercise, and お腹 for everyday references to the stomach (e.g., fullness, pain).
I want to get defined abs.
I'm full (stomach is full).
腹筋 (fukkin) means abdominal muscles, not the organ or general stomach area. For a stomach ache, use お腹が痛い (onaka ga itai) or 腹痛 (fukutsū).
I want to get abs.
Natural expression for wanting visible abs.
He has great abs.
Loanword from English 'six-pack', used specifically for well-defined, visible abdominal muscles. Common in casual conversation and fitness media.
I admire (want) a six-pack.
The rectus abdominis is located on the front of the abdomen.
クランチを30回3セットやります。
I do 3 sets of 30 crunches.
I'm hungry (lit. stomach is empty).