Translation guide
The English word 'enema' refers to a medical procedure or device for introducing liquid into the rectum. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 浣腸 (kanchō), which covers both the procedure and the device. This guide explains how to express the concept naturally in Japanese, including medical, colloquial, and related terms.
Referring to an enema as a medical treatment or the device used to administer it.
The standard term for enema, used in medical and everyday contexts. Can refer to both the procedure and the device.
I had an enema administered by the doctor.
I bought an enema at the pharmacy.
The verb phrase meaning 'to administer an enema' or 'to give an enema'.
The nurse gave the patient an enema.
Means 'to receive an enema', often used in medical contexts.
I received an enema as a treatment for constipation.
Informal ways to refer to an enema, often used in everyday conversation or humor.
Katakana version of 浣腸, often used in casual contexts or as a playful term. Also refers to the children's prank 'kancho'.
Be aware that カンチョー is also a popular prank among children where they poke someone's anus with their fingers. Context is important.
My constipation was bad, so I used an enema.
Terms related to enemas or bowel management in medical settings.
Literally 'intestinal washing', a more technical term for colonic irrigation or enema, less common than 浣腸.
Perform an enema before a colon examination.
High-pressure enema, a specific medical procedure.
Glycerin enema, a common type of enema for constipation relief.
Glycerin enemas can be bought at pharmacies.
In English, 'enema' can be used as a verb (e.g., 'to enema someone'), but in Japanese, you must use a verb phrase like 浣腸をする or 浣腸を受ける. Do not try to conjugate 浣腸 as a verb.
While カンチョー can mean enema, it is strongly associated with the children's prank. In medical or serious contexts, use 浣腸 to avoid confusion.
High-pressure enemas are sometimes used to treat intestinal obstruction.