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肚裏 (とり, tori) Japanese meaning: in the heart | Kotomora

肚と裏り

と

り

Meanings

1

in the heart; in one's mind

Rare literary noun meaning the inner thoughts or feelings, something kept inside one's heart. Not used in everyday conversation; found in classical or poetic contexts.

肚と裏りに秘ひめた思おもいを誰だれにも明あかさなかった。
He never revealed to anyone the feelings he kept in his heart.

Kanji

肚belly, stomach
裏back, amidst, in

Related words

心しん中ちゅう
心中 is a common word for 'in one's heart/mind', while 肚裏 is a rare literary synonym.
胸きょう中ちゅう
胸中 is a somewhat formal but still used word for 'in one's heart/breast'; 肚裏 is far rarer and more archaic.

Etymology

The kanji 肚 means 'belly' or 'stomach' and 裏 means 'inside' or 'reverse', so the compound literally suggests 'inside the belly', metaphorically the seat of emotions. The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the word is a rare literary coinage.