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.
昨日からお腹が緩いんです。
I've had loose bowels since yesterday.
To describe loose bowels in a polite or formal situation, such as at a doctor's office.
Polite form of お腹が緩い. Appropriate when speaking to a doctor or in a slightly formal setting.
ここ数日、お腹が緩いです。
I've had loose bowels for the past few days.
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.
お腹の調子が悪くて、あまり食べられません。
My stomach is upset, so I can't eat much.
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.
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.
冷たいものを飲みすぎて、お腹を下した。
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'.
下痢が続く場合は、病院に行ってください。
If the diarrhea continues, please go to the hospital.
Polite way to say 'I have diarrhea'. More clinical than お腹が緩いです.
昨日から下痢をしています。
I have had diarrhea since yesterday.
Adding 感じ (feeling) softens the statement, making it sound less definite and more euphemistic.
なんだかお腹がゆるい感じがする。
I feel like my stomach is a bit loose.