Translation guide
A substance that helps you have a bowel movement. In Japanese, the most common word is 下剤 (げざい), but there are also specific types and euphemisms used in daily life.
The standard word for any medicine or substance that relieves constipation.
The most common and neutral medical term for a laxative. Used in pharmacies and by doctors.
I was badly constipated, so I took a laxative.
This laxative has a mild effect.
Literally 'constipation medicine'. Common in drugstores and everyday conversation. Slightly more consumer-friendly than 下剤.
I bought a laxative at the drugstore.
A gentle laxative that softens stool without strong stimulation, often used for children or the elderly.
A laxative that stimulates the bowels to cause a bowel movement, often used for severe constipation or before medical procedures.
Foods or natural substances that have a laxative effect, often mentioned in health contexts.
Indirect or softer ways to refer to a laxative in conversation, often avoiding medical terms.
Literally 'stomach medicine', but often used euphemistically for laxatives or digestive aids. Common in casual speech.
I'm going to take some stomach medicine (laxative).
Very casual, literally 'medicine to get it out'. Used among close friends or family.
I got some laxatives.
The English word 'laxative' is not commonly used in Japanese. Using ラクサティブ may not be understood. Stick to 下剤 or 便秘薬.
If you need to buy a laxative, you can say: 便秘の薬はありますか？ (Do you have medicine for constipation?). The pharmacist will understand and may show you 便秘薬 or 下剤.
Stool softeners make stool softer and ease bowel movements.
Drastic laxatives are powerful purgatives and are rarely used today.
Dietary fiber. Often recommended as a natural way to relieve constipation.
Eating a lot of dietary fiber improves constipation.