Translation guide
The English word "vomit" can be a verb or a noun. In Japanese, the most common and neutral verb is 吐く (haku). There are also more specific or colloquial terms, as well as the noun form 嘔吐 (ōto), which is more formal or medical.
Expressing the action of throwing up, in casual to formal contexts.
The standard, neutral verb for 'to vomit'. Can be used in most situations.
彼は食べたものを全部吐いた。
He vomited everything he ate.
Literally 'to return', but commonly used as a euphemism for 'to vomit', especially in spoken Japanese. Slightly softer than 吐く.
Formal or medical term for 'to vomit'. Used in clinical contexts or formal writing.
患者は嘔吐を繰り返した。
The patient vomited repeatedly.
Very casual and vulgar slang for 'to vomit'. Often used among friends or in rough speech.
飲みすぎてゲロした。
I drank too much and puked.
Referring to the substance that is vomited.
A natural, everyday way to refer to vomit as a substance. Literally 'the thing that was vomited'.
道に吐いたものが落ちてた。
There was vomit on the road.
吐く (haku) is the direct and most common word for 'vomit'. 戻す (modosu) is a euphemism, often used in polite conversation or when the speaker wants to soften the expression. In medical or formal contexts, 嘔吐する (ōto suru) is preferred.
English phrases like 'throw up' or 'puke' do not have direct literal equivalents in Japanese. Use the appropriate Japanese verb based on context and register.
I feel sick and like I'm going to vomit.
I threw up what I ate earlier.
Formal or medical term for 'vomit' as a substance. Used in clinical or official contexts.
嘔吐物の処理には注意が必要です。
Care is needed when handling vomit.
Slang for 'vomit' as a substance. Very casual and vulgar.
ゲロの掃除は最悪だ。
Cleaning up puke is the worst.