Translation guide
How to talk about a stomach ache in Japanese, from casual complaints to medical symptoms.
I have a stomach ache.
Expressing that your stomach hurts in everyday conversation.
The most common and natural way to say 'I have a stomach ache.' Literally 'stomach is painful.'
I have a stomach ache, so I'll rest.
My stomach has been hurting since yesterday.
More formal/medical term for abdominal pain. Used at the doctor's office or in writing.
I've been having abdominal pain.
Slightly more descriptive, 'my stomach aches.' Can imply a dull or ongoing pain.
I ate too much and my stomach aches.
Describes a sharp, gripping stomach pain. Often used for stress-related or cramping pain.
My stomach is in knots from nerves.
Specifically when the stomach ache is caused by eating too much or something that didn't agree with you.
Feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the stomach after eating, like the food is just sitting there.
My stomach feels heavy from all that greasy food.
Literally 'stomach (organ) hurts.' More specific to the stomach organ rather than the whole abdominal area.
I ate too much and my stomach hurts.
Indigestion. Often used in more formal or medical contexts.
When the stomach ache is accompanied by feeling sick or like you might throw up.
Stomach ache specifically related to menstruation.
Menstrual cramps. The standard term.
My period cramps are really bad.
Often women just say 'my stomach hurts' and it's understood from context. Adding 'from my period' clarifies.
I have cramps from my period.
How children or parents talk about tummy aches.
胃 (い) specifically means the stomach organ. If the pain is in the lower abdomen or you're not sure, use お腹 (おなか) which refers to the belly area. Using 胃 when it's actually intestinal pain can cause confusion at the doctor.
お腹が痛い is everyday spoken Japanese. 腹痛 is more formal and often used in medical contexts or written descriptions. At a clinic, you can say お腹が痛いです, but the doctor might write 腹痛 in your chart.
I'm bloated from indigestion.
なんか胃がむかつく。
My stomach feels kind of queasy.