Translation guide
The internal organs, especially the intestines, of an animal or human. In Japanese, the most common and neutral word is 内臓 (naizō) for internal organs in general. For entrails specifically as intestines or guts, 腸 (chō) or はらわた (harawata) are used. はらわた can also have figurative meanings like 'heart' or 'core'. When referring to entrails as food, もつ (motsu) is common. This guide covers anatomical, culinary, and figurative uses.
The internal organs of a human or animal, in a neutral or medical context.
The standard word for internal organs. Used in medical, anatomical, and everyday contexts.
内臓の検査を受けました。
I had an examination of my internal organs.
魚の内臓を取り除いてください。
Please remove the fish's entrails.
Refers to organs, often in a medical or biological context. More specific than 内臓, emphasizing individual organs.
臓器移植について議論する。
Discuss organ transplants.
The intestines or guts, often with a visceral or graphic nuance.
Specifically the intestines. Used in medical and everyday language.
腸の調子が悪い。
My intestines are not feeling well.
Guts, entrails; often used in more visceral or dramatic contexts. Can also mean 'heart' or 'core' figuratively.
敵のはらわたを引きずり出す。
Pull out the enemy's entrails.
Loanword from English 'guts', used in slang or figurative contexts for courage or intestines. Not standard for anatomical entrails.
ガッツがあるね。
You've got guts.
Animal entrails used as food, such as in hot pot or grilled dishes.
Offal, entrails used as food. Common in dishes like もつ鍋 (motsunabe, offal hot pot).
もつ鍋が大好きです。
I love offal hot pot.
Often used for grilled offal, especially in yakiniku (grilled meat) contexts. Derived from 'hormone' but refers to entrails.
The deepest emotions or essence of a person, similar to 'heart' or 'soul'.
Used figuratively to mean one's innermost feelings or the core of something. Often in expressions like はらわたが煮えくり返る (to be furious).
はらわたが煮えくり返る思いだ。
I'm boiling with rage.
The depths of one's heart; innermost feelings. More neutral and less visceral than はらわた.
心の奥底では彼を許していた。
Deep down, I had forgiven him.
When English uses 'guts' to mean courage, do not directly translate to はらわた or 内臓. Use 勇気 (ゆうき, courage) or 度胸 (どきょう, nerve) instead. ガッツ is a slangy loanword but not always appropriate.
内臓 is the neutral anatomical term. はらわた is more visceral and often used in dramatic or figurative contexts. もつ is specifically for food. Choose based on context.
ホルモン焼きを食べよう。
Let's eat grilled offal.