Translation guide
The English word "stomach" can refer to the organ, the belly area, or appetite. Japanese uses different words depending on the context.
My stomach hurts (the organ).
胃の検査をしました。
I had a stomach examination.
Referring to the external belly or abdominal region, often in casual or physical contexts.
Polite and common word for belly. Used by all ages. Often used for hunger or general stomach area.
お腹がすいた。
I'm hungry.
お腹を見せてください。
Please show me your stomach.
More casual or masculine word for belly. Can sound rough. Used in set phrases.
腹が減った。
I'm hungry (rough).
Formal/medical term for the abdominal region. Used in clinical contexts.
Expressing hunger or the ability to eat.
Standard phrase for 'to become hungry'. Literally 'stomach becomes empty'.
お腹がすいたら、何か食べましょう。
When you get hungry, let's eat something.
Casual/rough way to say 'get hungry'. Common among men or in informal speech.
腹が減って死にそうだ。
I'm so hungry I could die.
Appetite (desire to eat). Used in expressions like 'no appetite'.
Expressing pain or discomfort in the stomach area.
General phrase for stomach ache (belly area). Can refer to intestines or general abdominal pain.
お腹が痛くて、学校を休んだ。
My stomach hurt, so I stayed home from school.
Specifically pain in the stomach organ. Often used for stress-related stomach pain.
ストレスで胃が痛い。
My stomach hurts from stress.
Formal/medical term for abdominal pain.
Metaphorical use: ability to handle unpleasant things.
Literally 'stomach is strong'. Means can eat anything without getting sick, or metaphorically can handle stress.
彼は胃が強いから、何でも食べられる。
He has a strong stomach, so he can eat anything.
Opposite: weak stomach, gets sick easily.
胃が弱いので、脂っこいものは食べられません。
I have a weak stomach, so I can't eat greasy food.
胃 (い) refers specifically to the organ. お腹 (おなか) refers to the belly area in general. If you say 胃がすいた, it sounds odd because the organ itself doesn't become empty; use お腹がすいた for hunger.
お腹 is polite and standard. 腹 is casual and can sound rough or masculine. Women and children usually use お腹. In formal situations, stick to お腹.
腹を立てる。
To get angry (lit. 'stand the belly').
I have pain in the abdominal region.
食欲がない。
I have no appetite.
腹痛を訴える患者が多い。
Many patients complain of abdominal pain.