Translation guide
A substance that causes bowel movements, used to relieve constipation or for medical cleansing.
A drug or substance that causes evacuation of the bowels.
The standard medical term for a laxative or purgative. Used in pharmacies and by doctors.
I use a purgative when I'm constipated.
Literally 'constipation medicine'. Common in everyday conversation and on over-the-counter products.
Refers specifically to an enema, a liquid purgative administered rectally. More clinical or specific.
Something that purges or cleanses emotionally or spiritually.
Purification or cleansing, often used metaphorically for emotional or spiritual release.
In English, 'purgative' can sound stronger or more medical than 'laxative'. In Japanese, 下剤 covers both mild laxatives and stronger purgatives. If you want to emphasize a gentle effect, you can say 穏やかな下剤 (おだやかなげざい, mild laxative).
After taking the purgative, I got a stomachache.
手術の前に浣腸をします。
They give you an enema before surgery.
Crying is a purgative for the soul.
Literally 'to expel poison'. Used figuratively for releasing negative emotions or stress.
I let out a yell as a purgative.