Translation guide
Japanese has several words for flatulence, ranging from medical terms to casual and childish expressions. The most common everyday word is おなら (onara), which is polite enough for most situations. More formal or medical contexts use 放屁 (ほうひ). There are also onomatopoeic and slang terms.
The standard, polite word for passing gas, suitable for daily conversation.
The most common and neutral word for flatulence. It is polite and can be used in most situations, including with children or in casual adult conversation.
A more blunt and informal word for fart. It can sound crude or vulgar, so use with caution. Often used in compounds or set phrases.
Can be offensive in polite company. おなら is safer.
屁をこく。
To fart (vulgar).
Used in medical contexts, formal writing, or when speaking politely about bodily functions.
The formal, medical term for flatulence or passing gas. Used in clinical settings or polite discussion.
放屁は自然な生理現象です。
Flatulence is a natural physiological phenomenon.
Often used in medical or euphemistic contexts to refer to intestinal gas. Can be combined with verbs like 出る (to come out) or 溜まる (to accumulate).
お腹にガスが溜まっている。
I have gas in my stomach.
Expressions often used with children or in very casual, playful contexts.
Common ways to say 'to fart' in Japanese.
The standard polite phrase meaning 'to fart'. Literally 'to do a fart'.
誰かおならをした？
Did someone fart?
A vulgar way to say 'to fart'. こく is a slang verb for emitting something from the body.
Very informal and can be offensive. Avoid in polite conversation.
屁をこくな！
Don't fart! (rude)
The formal verb for 'to pass gas'. Used in medical or very polite contexts.
手術後、放屁したら教えてください。
Please let us know when you pass gas after the surgery.
The English word 'fart' is often considered vulgar. In Japanese, おなら is the safest choice in most social situations. Using 屁 (へ) can sound crude or childish depending on context.
おなら is the everyday, polite term. 屁 is informal and can be vulgar. 放屁 is formal/medical. Choose based on the situation: おなら for casual talk, 放屁 for doctors or formal writing, and avoid 屁 unless you are very familiar with the listener.