Translation guide
Japanese has several ways to express abdominal pain, ranging from general terms to specific medical vocabulary. The most common everyday word is 腹痛 (ふくつう), but in casual conversation people often use お腹が痛い (おなかがいたい) or simply お腹が… to describe a stomachache. More precise terms exist for upper vs. lower abdominal pain, and there are also onomatopoeic expressions for sharp or dull pain.
To say that one has a stomachache or abdominal pain in everyday conversation.
The most natural and common way to say 'I have a stomachache' in casual and polite speech. Literally 'stomach is painful'. Can be used for any general abdominal pain.
お腹が痛いので、病院に行きます。
I have a stomachache, so I'm going to the hospital.
昨日からお腹が痛いんです。
I've had a stomachache since yesterday.
The standard medical/formal term for abdominal pain. Used in clinical settings, on medical forms, or when speaking to a doctor. Less common in casual conversation.
腹痛の原因を調べましょう。
Let's investigate the cause of your abdominal pain.
A very common way to trail off and imply stomach trouble without directly saying 'pain'. Often used when the speaker is uncomfortable or in pain but doesn't want to be explicit. The listener understands from context.
ちょっとお腹が…
My stomach is a bit... (implying pain/discomfort)
Specifically refers to stomach pain (gastralgia), i.e., pain in the upper abdomen. Not a general term for any abdominal pain.
胃痛がひどいので、胃薬を飲みました。
I had severe stomach pain, so I took stomach medicine.
To describe a sharp or stabbing abdominal pain, often using onomatopoeia.
Uses the onomatopoeia キリキリ (kirikiri) for a sharp, gripping, or stabbing pain. Common for stress-related stomachaches or gastritis.
ストレスでお腹がキリキリ痛みます。
My stomach hurts with a sharp pain from stress.
Literally 'painful as if being stabbed'. A more descriptive way to express sharp abdominal pain.
お腹が刺すように痛くて、動けません。
My stomach hurts like it's being stabbed, and I can't move.
To describe a dull ache, heavy sensation, or cramping in the abdomen.
Uses the onomatopoeia シクシク (shikushiku) for a dull, persistent, gnawing pain. Often used for mild but continuous stomachaches.
朝からお腹がシクシク痛んで、食欲がありません。
I've had a dull stomachache since morning and have no appetite.
Literally 'stomach is heavy'. Describes a feeling of heaviness or bloating in the abdomen, often after overeating.
食べ過ぎてお腹が重いです。
I ate too much and my stomach feels heavy.
Means 'abdomen feels bloated/distended'. Used for gas, constipation, or menstrual bloating.
生理前はいつもお腹が張ります。
Before my period, my stomach always feels bloated.
To specify pain in the lower abdomen, such as menstrual cramps or intestinal pain.
Medical term for lower abdominal pain. Used in clinical contexts or when describing symptoms precisely.
下腹部痛が続く場合は、婦人科を受診してください。
If lower abdominal pain persists, please see a gynecologist.
Menstrual cramps/pain. A common specific type of lower abdominal pain.
生理痛がひどいので、薬を飲みました。
I had bad menstrual cramps, so I took medicine.
A casual, non-technical way to say 'the lower part of my stomach hurts'.
お腹の下の方が痛くて、腰も重いです。
My lower stomach hurts and my back feels heavy too.
To describe a sudden, intense abdominal pain that may require emergency care.
Means 'severe abdominal pain'. Used when the pain is intense and possibly alarming.
激しい腹痛で救急車を呼びました。
I called an ambulance because of severe abdominal pain.
Means 'sudden abdominal pain'. Emphasizes the abrupt onset.
急な腹痛で、立っていられません。
I have sudden abdominal pain and can't stand up.
お腹が痛い is the everyday expression used in conversation. 腹痛 is more formal and often used in medical contexts or written descriptions. When speaking to a doctor, either is fine, but 腹痛 may sound more precise.
While 腹痛 is the direct translation, using it in casual conversation can sound stiff. Stick to お腹が痛い or お腹が… for natural speech.