Translation guide
Describes a condition where bowel movements are watery or unformed. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with specific medical or everyday terms, and the phrasing depends on formality and context.
To say one has loose bowels or diarrhea in casual or everyday conversation.
The most common and direct word for diarrhea. Used in both casual and medical contexts.
昨日から下痢が続いています。
I've had loose bowels since yesterday.
To describe loose bowels in a medical or formal setting.
Medical term for diarrhea or diarrheal illness. Used by healthcare professionals.
To mention loose bowels indirectly in polite conversation, such as when excusing oneself or explaining a condition without being too explicit.
A polite, vague way to say 'my stomach is not well,' which can imply loose bowels without stating it directly.
お腹の調子が悪くて、トイレに行ってきます。
My stomach is upset, so I'll go to the restroom.
The phrase 'loose bowels' translated literally as ゆるい腸 (yurui chou) is not used in Japanese. Use the expressions above instead.
A softer, everyday expression meaning 'one's stomach is loose.' Commonly used when talking about mild symptoms.
ちょっとお腹がゆるいんです。
I have a bit of loose bowels.
Literally 'to break one's stomach,' meaning to have an upset stomach or diarrhea. Often used when the cause is something eaten.
生ものを食べてお腹を壊した。
I ate raw food and got loose bowels.
下痢症の患者が増えています。
Patients with loose bowels are increasing.
Refers to soft or loose stools, often used in clinical descriptions. Less severe than watery diarrhea.
ここ数日、軟便が続いています。
I've had loose stools for the past few days.