Translation guide
The internal organs, especially the intestines, of an animal or human. In Japanese, the most common and neutral word is 内臓 (naizō) for internal organs in general. For entrails specifically as intestines or guts, 腸 (chō) or はらわた (harawata) are used. はらわた can also have figurative meanings like 'heart' or 'core'. When referring to entrails as food, もつ (motsu) is common. This guide covers anatomical, culinary, and figurative uses.
The internal organs of a human or animal, in a neutral or medical context.
The standard word for internal organs. Used in medical, anatomical, and everyday contexts.
I had an examination of my internal organs.
Please remove the fish's entrails.
Refers to organs, often in a medical or biological context. More specific than 内臓, emphasizing individual organs.
Discuss organ transplants.
The intestines or guts, often with a visceral or graphic nuance.
Specifically the intestines. Used in medical and everyday language.
My intestines are not feeling well.
Guts, entrails; often used in more visceral or dramatic contexts. Can also mean 'heart' or 'core' figuratively.
Loanword from English 'guts', used in slang or figurative contexts for courage or intestines. Not standard for anatomical entrails.
Animal entrails used as food, such as in hot pot or grilled dishes.
The deepest emotions or essence of a person, similar to 'heart' or 'soul'.
Used figuratively to mean one's innermost feelings or the core of something. Often in expressions like はらわたが煮えくり返る (to be furious).
I'm boiling with rage.
The depths of one's heart; innermost feelings. More neutral and less visceral than はらわた.
Deep down, I had forgiven him.
When English uses 'guts' to mean courage, do not directly translate to はらわた or 内臓. Use 勇気 (ゆうき, courage) or 度胸 (どきょう, nerve) instead. ガッツ is a slangy loanword but not always appropriate.
内臓 is the neutral anatomical term. はらわた is more visceral and often used in dramatic or figurative contexts. もつ is specifically for food. Choose based on context.
Pull out the enemy's entrails.
You've got guts.
ホルモン焼きを食べよう。
Let's eat grilled offal.