Translation guide
The English word 'belly' is an informal term for the stomach or abdominal area. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is お腹 (onaka), which is polite and widely used. Other words exist for specific contexts, such as anatomy, animals, or casual speech.
Referring to the stomach area in everyday, polite conversation, such as talking about hunger, fullness, or stomachaches.
I'm hungry. (lit. My belly is empty.)
I'm full. (lit. My belly is full.)
I have a stomachache.
A more direct, sometimes masculine or rough word for 'belly'. Used in casual speech, idioms, and compound words. Can sound blunt if used alone in polite contexts.
I'm hungry. (rough, masculine)
To get angry. (lit. To stand one's belly)
Hiragana version of お腹, commonly used in informal writing or when the kanji is considered difficult. Same meaning and politeness level.
Are you hungry?
Using a cute or childish word for 'belly', similar to 'tummy' in English.
Referring to the abdomen in a formal, anatomical, or medical context.
The formal anatomical term for 'abdomen' or 'belly'. Used in medical settings, academic writing, and formal descriptions.
I have pain in my abdomen.
I had abdominal surgery.
Even in medical contexts, patients often use お腹 when speaking to doctors. Doctors may use 腹部 for precision.
Referring to the underside or stomach area of an animal.
Commonly used for pets and animals in everyday speech, especially when speaking affectionately.
The dog is sleeping on its back showing its belly.
Used for animals in a more neutral or descriptive way, especially in compounds like 腹びれ (pelvic fin).
Used in zoological or veterinary contexts.
Referring to the bulging part of an object, like the belly of a ship or a pot.
Used for the 'belly' of inanimate objects, especially in technical descriptions.
Load cargo into the belly of the ship.
Refers to the trunk or body of an object, like a pot or a stringed instrument. Can mean 'belly' in the sense of the widest part.
お腹 (onaka) is the polite, everyday word for stomach/belly. 腹 (hara) is more direct, often used in casual male speech or idioms. 腹部 (fukubu) is the formal anatomical term. Use お腹 in most situations unless you want to sound rough or technical.
I have a stomachache. (polite)
My gut hurts. (rough, masculine)
I feel a dull pain in my abdomen. (medical)
The English loanword ベリー (berii) means 'berry', not 'belly'. Avoid using it to mean stomach.
お腹を見せて。
Show me your belly.
お腹の調子はどうですか？
How is your stomach? (doctor to patient)
魚の腹を裂く。
To gut a fish. (lit. To split the fish's belly)
This insect's abdomen is yellow.
The belly of the vase is swollen.