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腹を据える (はらをすえる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
make up one's mind ; resolve oneself
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression meaning to settle one's resolve, often in the face of difficulty or risk. The image is of steadying one's stomach (the seat of emotions in Japanese).
腹はら を 据す え て 、 最さい 後ご まで 戦たたか う つもり だ 。
I've resolved myself to fight to the end.
2
expression, ichidan verb
calm oneself ; be patient ; endure
idiomatic expression
Used when one steadies their emotions to endure a difficult or frustrating situation without losing composure. Often implies patience and self-control.
Written forms 腹はら を 据す える
Standard kanji form. 腹 (belly) + 据える (to set firmly) conveys the image of settling one's stomach to show resolve.
肚はら を 据す える
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji variant using 肚, an older character for 'belly'. Not commonly used in modern writing.
Kanji 据 set, lay a foundation, install Similar words 覚かく 悟ご を 決き める Similar to sense 1 (resolve), but 覚悟を決める emphasizes a conscious decision to accept a difficult fate, while 腹を据える focuses on the emotional steadiness and inner resolve.
我が 慢まん する Similar to sense 2 (endure), but 我慢する is a general verb for enduring or putting up with something, while 腹を据える implies a deliberate calming of one's own emotions to face the situation.
Etymology The expression combines 腹 (belly, considered the seat of emotions in traditional Japanese thought) and 据える (to set firmly). The image is of settling one's stomach to show determination or patience. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common metaphor in Japanese idioms.
