Translation guide
The navel (belly button) is a body part. In Japanese, the most common word is へそ, used in everyday conversation. There is also a more formal anatomical term さい, and a few related expressions.
Referring to the navel as a physical body part.
The standard, everyday word for 'navel' or 'belly button'. Used by all ages.
Metaphorically referring to the center or heart of a place or thing.
Used metaphorically to mean the center or core of something, similar to 'heart' or 'hub'.
へそ is the everyday word for navel. さい is a technical term used in medical contexts. For daily conversation, always use へそ.
The baby's umbilical cord stump fell off.
お腹を見せて、へそを指さした。
He showed his stomach and pointed at his navel.
Anatomical/medical term for 'navel' or 'umbilicus'. Rarely used in daily conversation.
さいの炎症は臍炎と呼ばれる。
Inflammation of the navel is called omphalitis.
ここが町のへそだ。
This is the center of the town.
北海道のへそと呼ばれる町。
A town called the navel of Hokkaido.
A more literal translation for 'center', but lacks the body-part metaphor. Use when you want a neutral term.
その公園は街の中心にある。
The park is in the center of the city.