Japanese · Body & Health
お腹
onaka
Stomach / Belly
Beginnernoun
Definition
The abdomen or belly. Common phrases include お腹が空いた (onaka ga suita, I am hungry) and お腹がいっぱい (onaka ga ippai, I am full).
Example
お腹が空いたので何か食べましょう。
I am hungry so let's eat something.
Etymology
お腹 (onaka) is derived from the classical term for belly, using the honorific prefix お (o) for politeness. This shows cultural respect for bodily functions.
How & Where It’s Used
お腹 is prevalent in informal conversation and commonly used in casual writing, reflecting bodily awareness across all demographics in Japan.