Translation guide
The English term "internal organs" refers to the organs inside the body, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 内臓 (naizō). However, depending on context—such as medical, culinary, or traditional medicine—other terms like 臓器 (zōki) or 五臓六腑 (gozō roppu) may be used. This guide helps learners choose the right expression for everyday conversation, formal writing, or specific fields.
To refer to the internal organs of humans or animals in a general, everyday sense.
The standard, neutral word for internal organs. Used in daily conversation, news, and general writing. Covers all internal organs collectively.
内臓の検査を受けました。
I had my internal organs examined.
魚の内臓を取り除いてください。
Please remove the fish's internal organs.
To refer to internal organs in a medical, biological, or anatomical context, often emphasizing individual organs.
A more technical term for 'organ', often used in medical contexts or when discussing organ transplants, anatomy, etc. Can refer to a specific organ or organs in general.
臓器移植について学んでいます。
I am learning about organ transplants.
この図は人間の臓器を示しています。
This diagram shows the human organs.
A more formal compound meaning 'internal organs' or 'visceral organs'. Used in academic or medical writing.
内臓器官の構造を研究しています。
I am researching the structure of internal organs.
To refer to internal organs used as food, such as liver, heart, or tripe.
Commonly used for offal or organ meats in Japanese cuisine, especially in yakiniku or hot pot dishes. Derived from 'hormone', but refers to innards.
ホルモン焼きが大好きです。
I love grilled offal.
Refers to organ meats, especially intestines, used in stews (もつ煮) or hot pots. Common in casual dining.
もつ鍋を食べに行きませんか？
Would you like to go eat motsu nabe (offal hot pot)?
Literally 'organ meat', a direct term sometimes used in butchery or cooking. Less common in menus.
内臓肉は栄養が豊富です。
Organ meats are rich in nutrients.
To refer to the internal organs as understood in traditional Chinese/Japanese medicine, often paired with concepts like yin-yang and meridians.
A set phrase meaning 'the five solid and six hollow organs' in traditional medicine. Used metaphorically to mean 'all the internal organs' or 'the whole body'.
五臓六腑に染み渡るような美味しさだ。
It's a deliciousness that permeates your whole body.
To express a deep, visceral feeling or something that affects one's core.
An idiomatic expression meaning something resonates deeply or hits you in the gut, often used for music or strong emotions.
彼の歌声が内臓に響いた。
His singing voice resonated deep inside me.
内臓 (naizō) is the general, everyday word for internal organs as a whole. 臓器 (zōki) is more technical and often used in medical contexts or when referring to specific organs. For example, 'organ transplant' is 臓器移植 (zōki ishoku), not 内臓移植. In casual conversation about health, 内臓 is more natural.
When talking about eating internal organs, using 内臓 (naizō) can sound clinical or unappetizing. Instead, use ホルモン (horumon) or もつ (motsu) for offal dishes. Saying 内臓を食べる (naizō o taberu) might be understood but is not idiomatic.