Translation guide
The internal organs of the body, especially those in the abdominal cavity. In Japanese, the most common general term is 内臓 (naizō). More specific or literary terms exist, and context determines which word is natural.
The most common, everyday way to refer to internal organs collectively.
The standard word for 'internal organs' or 'viscera'. Used in medical, everyday, and culinary contexts.
内臓の検査を受けました。
I had my internal organs examined.
焼き肉で内臓系が好きです。
I like organ meats at yakiniku.
Referring to animal organs used as food, often in casual or culinary settings.
Commonly used for beef or pork offal, especially in yakiniku or hot pot dishes. Derived from 'hormone', but now a standard culinary term.
ホルモン焼きが食べたい。
I want to eat grilled offal.
Refers to organ meats, especially intestines, used in dishes like もつ鍋 (motsunabe).
もつ鍋は冬に最高です。
Motsunabe is great in winter.
A more formal, literary, or anatomical term, often used in medical or poetic contexts.
A somewhat literary or traditional medical term for internal organs. Often used in the phrase 五臓六腑 (gozō roppu, 'the five viscera and six entrails').
五臓六腑に染み渡る。
It permeates through every internal organ. (idiomatic: deeply moving or satisfying)
When referring to specific organs rather than the collective viscera.
In many contexts, it's more natural to name the specific organ (e.g., 肝臓 for liver, 腎臓 for kidney) rather than using a general term for viscera.
肝臓の数値が高い。
My liver values are high.
While 内臓 can be used for organ meats, in casual restaurant settings ホルモン or もつ are far more common. Using 内臓 may sound overly clinical.
臓器 (zōki) also means 'organ', but is more often used for specific organs in medical contexts (e.g., 臓器移植, organ transplant). 内臓 is broader and more common for the collective internal organs.