Translation guide
Describes the condition of having watery or unformed stools. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the phrase お腹が緩い (onaka ga yurui) or the verb 下す (kudasu). The choice depends on formality and context.
To say one has loose bowels in a neutral, everyday context.
Literally 'stomach is loose'. This is the most common, natural way to say you have loose bowels or diarrhea in casual conversation.
I've had loose bowels since yesterday.
My stomach was loose, so I went to the bathroom many times.
A verb meaning 'to have diarrhea'. Often used in the phrase お腹を下す (onaka o kudasu). Slightly more direct than お腹が緩い.
I drank too many cold drinks and got loose bowels.
The medical/formal term for diarrhea. Used in clinical settings or when speaking directly about the condition. Can be combined with する to mean 'have diarrhea'.
If the diarrhea continues, please go to the hospital.
To describe loose bowels in a polite or formal situation, such as at a doctor's office.
To mention loose bowels indirectly or softly, avoiding direct words.
Literally 'stomach condition is bad'. A vague, polite way to imply digestive issues including loose bowels without being explicit.
My stomach is upset, so I can't eat much.
Adding 感じ (feeling) softens the statement, making it sound less definite and more euphemistic.
I feel like my stomach is a bit loose.
お腹が緩い is a softer, everyday expression. 下痢 is the direct medical term and can sound blunt in casual conversation. Use お腹が緩い with friends and family, and 下痢 when speaking with medical professionals or in formal writing.
Do not translate 'loose bowels' literally as 緩い腸 (yurui chou). This is not natural Japanese. Stick to the phrases provided.