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'.
昨日の夜から消化不良で胃が痛い。
I've had indigestion since last night and my stomach hurts.
食べ過ぎて消化不良になった。
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.
脂っこいものを食べると胃もたれする。
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.
胸焼けがひどくて眠れない。
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.
胃の調子が悪くて、食欲がない。
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.
Same as above, but also the standard medical term.
医者に消化不良の症状を伝えた。
I told the doctor about my indigestion symptoms.
A broader medical term for gastrointestinal disorder, which can include indigestion. More formal.
胃腸障害の治療には食事改善が重要です。
Dietary improvement is important for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
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.
食べ過ぎで胃がもたれて苦しい。
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'.
昨日飲み過ぎで胃が荒れて、今日は何も食べられない。
I drank too much yesterday and my stomach is upset; I can't eat anything today.
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.