Translation guide
The discomfort or pain in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with specific medical or everyday terms, and sometimes described through symptoms.
To express the general feeling of indigestion or an upset stomach after eating.
The most direct and common term for indigestion, used in both medical and everyday contexts. Literally 'poor digestion'.
I've had indigestion since last night and my stomach hurts.
I ate too much and got indigestion.
Refers specifically to the heavy, bloated feeling in the stomach after eating, often from rich or fatty foods. Very common in everyday conversation.
I get indigestion (a heavy stomach) when I eat greasy food.
Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by acid reflux. Often used interchangeably with indigestion when the main symptom is burning.
I have such bad heartburn I can't sleep.
A general phrase meaning 'my stomach is not feeling well', often used to describe indigestion or stomach discomfort without specifying the cause.
My stomach is upset and I have no appetite.
To refer to indigestion in a more formal or medical context, such as when talking to a doctor.
To describe indigestion caused by overeating, drinking, or specific foods.
Literally 'stomach feels heavy from overeating'. A very natural way to describe indigestion after a large meal.
I ate too much and my stomach feels heavy and uncomfortable.
Used when indigestion is caused by drinking too much alcohol. 'Stomach gets irritated from drinking too much'.
消化不良 is the general term for indigestion. 胃もたれ specifically refers to a heavy, bloated feeling in the stomach, often from fatty foods. 胸焼け is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest. While they can overlap, choose based on the main symptom.
Japanese speakers often describe the specific feeling rather than using a noun like 'indigestion'. Phrases like 胃が重い (stomach feels heavy), 胃がムカムカする (stomach feels queasy), or 胃がキリキリする (stomach has a sharp pain) are very common.
Dietary improvement is important for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
I drank too much yesterday and my stomach is upset; I can't eat anything today.