下痢をする

§ What does 下痢をする mean?

The Japanese phrase 下痢をする (geriosuru) literally translates to 'to do diarrhea.' It's the standard, most common way to say 'to have diarrhea' in Japanese. You'll hear and see this phrase frequently in everyday conversation, medical settings, and even in written materials when discussing digestive issues. It's a direct and practical term, so don't be shy about using it when the situation calls for it.

§ When do people use it?

People use 下痢をする in any situation where they need to talk about experiencing diarrhea. It's not a formal or informal phrase; it's simply the appropriate term. Whether you're talking to a doctor, explaining to a friend why you can't go out, or describing a travel illness, this is the phrase you'll use.

Here are some common situations:

• Talking to a doctor: If you're visiting a clinic or hospital for digestive problems, you'll use this phrase to describe your symptoms.
• Explaining to family or friends: You might say this to let someone know you're not feeling well and need to stay home.
• Describing a past illness: You could use it to talk about an upset stomach you had on a trip.
• In health warnings or advice: Medical websites or public health announcements might use it when discussing food poisoning or stomach flu.

§ Examples of 下痢をする in action

Translation hint: Since yesterday, I've had diarrhea, so I'm taking the day off from work.

Translation hint: During the trip, I got an upset stomach and had diarrhea.

Translation hint: The number of people having diarrhea due to food poisoning is increasing.

DEFINITION

To have diarrhea.

As you can see, 下痢をする is straightforward and widely applicable. Don't overthink it; if you need to talk about diarrhea, this is your go-to phrase. Just remember to conjugate 'する' (suru) appropriately for the tense you need (e.g., 'します' for present polite, 'しました' for past polite, 'している' for present continuous). Mastering this simple phrase will help you navigate health-related conversations in Japanese with confidence.

Understanding how to properly use "下痢をする" (gerisuru) – to have diarrhea – is important for describing health situations in Japanese. This phrase is quite straightforward, but let's break down its components and how it fits into sentences.

First, let's look at the phrase itself.

Japanese Phrase

下痢をする (gerisuru)

Meaning

To have diarrhea

The key part here is the verb "する" (suru), which means "to do." When combined with "下痢" (geri), meaning "diarrhea," it forms the verbal phrase "to do diarrhea," which translates naturally to "to have diarrhea." This pattern is common in Japanese for expressing physical conditions or actions that involve a noun and "する."

§ Basic Sentence Structure

You'll typically use "下痢をする" with a subject. The subject is often marked by the particle が (ga) or は (wa).

In this example, the implied subject is "I." The particle "から" (kara) means "from" or "since," indicating the duration.

Here, "彼" (kare - he) is the subject. "よく" (yoku) means "often."

§ Tenses and Forms of する

You'll need to conjugate "する" based on when the diarrhea is occurring or occurred:

• Present/Future: する (suru)
• Past: した (shita)
• Negative: しない (shinai)
• Negative Past: しなかった (shinakatta)
• Te-form (for connecting actions or ongoing states): して (shite)

Here, "した" (shita) indicates the past tense. "お腹が痛くて" (onaka ga itakute) means "my stomach hurt" (te-form of 痛い - itai, used to connect reasons or sequential actions).

"しない" (shinai) is the negative form, indicating "will not have diarrhea." "はずです" (hazu desu) means "it should be that..."

§ Expressing an Ongoing State

To say someone "is having" diarrhea (an ongoing state), you use the ている (teiru) form of the verb.

This is the most common way to describe currently experiencing diarrhea.

§ Asking About Diarrhea

When asking someone if they have diarrhea, you can use the teiru form with か (ka) at the end for a question.

§ Common Phrases and Usage

You might also see this phrase used in conjunction with other symptoms or situations.

"ずっと" (zutto) means "all the time" or "continuously." "大変だった" (taihen datta) means "it was tough/difficult."

Mastering "下痢をする" is about understanding the simple noun + する pattern and correctly conjugating "する." Practice these examples, and you'll be able to communicate this health issue clearly in Japanese.

§ What 下痢をする means

Alright, let's get straight to it. The Japanese phrase 下痢をする (geriosuru) simply means 'to have diarrhea.' It's a common phrase you'll hear in all sorts of everyday situations, and it's essential for talking about health.

DEFINITION

To have diarrhea.

§ Talking about feeling sick: when to use it

You'll typically use 下痢をする when you need to explain that you're experiencing diarrhea. This can come up in a few common scenarios:

• At the doctor's office: This is probably the most obvious place. You need to clearly communicate your symptoms.
• Calling in sick for work or school: If you're too ill to go in, you might have to mention this.
• Talking to family or close friends: Informing them about your condition, especially if it affects plans.

It's a straightforward term, so don't overthink it. Just use it when you need to say you 'have diarrhea.'

§ Examples in context

Let's look at some examples of how this phrase is used in real sentences. Pay attention to how it fits into the grammar.

Hint: I've had diarrhea since yesterday.

Hint: Eating too much can sometimes cause diarrhea.

Hint: I have a fever and also have diarrhea.

Hint: My child has diarrhea, so they'll be absent from daycare today.

§ Related words and phrases

While 下痢をする is specific, here are a couple of other related terms you might hear when discussing feeling unwell:

• お腹が痛い (onaka ga itai): My stomach hurts. This is a general term for stomach pain.
• 吐き気 (hakike): Nausea. You might say 吐き気がする (hakike ga suru) to mean 'I feel nauseous.'
• 嘔吐 (outo): Vomiting. 嘔吐する (outo suru) means 'to vomit.'
• 体調が悪い (taichou ga warui): Feeling unwell/sick. This is a very general way to say you're not feeling good.

Knowing these terms will help you navigate conversations about health more effectively in Japanese. Always be polite when discussing such topics, especially with people you don't know well.

§ Don't confuse it with other stomach issues

Many learners mix up different stomach problems in Japanese. While many symptoms can feel similar, using the wrong term can lead to misunderstandings, especially in situations where precision is important, like at a doctor's office.

DEFINITION

下痢をする (geri o suru) specifically means to have diarrhea.

It's not a general term for all stomachaches or digestive issues. For example:

• お腹が痛い (onaka ga itai): To have a stomachache. This is a general term for pain in the abdomen.
• 胃もたれ (imotare): Indigestion, feeling heavy in the stomach.
• 吐き気がする (hakike ga suru): To feel nauseous.
• 嘔吐する (outo suru): To vomit.

§ Using "する" correctly

The verb "する" (suru) is key here. "下痢" (geri) itself is a noun meaning diarrhea. To turn it into a verb, you need "する." Leaving out "する" is a common mistake for beginners.

DEFINITION

下痢 (geri) = Diarrhea (noun)
下痢をする (geri o suru) = To have diarrhea (verb phrase)

You wouldn't just say "I diarrhea." You say "I have diarrhea." The same logic applies to Japanese.

Incorrect: 私は下痢。 (Watashi wa geri.) This sounds like "I am diarrhea," which doesn't make sense.

§ Context and politeness

While "下痢をする" is the standard term, remember that talking about bodily functions in Japan, especially with people you don't know well, often requires a bit more politeness or indirectness. If you're talking to a doctor, directness is fine. In other social situations, you might preface it or use a slightly softer tone.

§ Over-politeness with a simple medical term

Sometimes learners, trying to be polite, might try to use overly complex or honorific language for medical terms. For straightforward medical symptoms like "下痢をする," the plain form (or masu form for politeness) is usually sufficient and appropriate, especially when talking to a medical professional. Don't feel the need to use keigo (honorific language) unless you are very familiar with its proper usage in medical contexts.

This sentence uses the polite masu form of "する" and is perfectly appropriate for a doctor.

§ Using "もらう" or "あげる" incorrectly

The verbs もらう (morau - to receive) and あげる (ageru - to give) are used for giving and receiving favors, or actions where someone does something for someone else. You wouldn't use these with "下痢をする" because diarrhea isn't something you 'receive' or 'give' from or to someone else. It's a condition you 'have.'

Focus on the simple action of "having" the condition, expressed by "下痢をする."

§ Understanding 下痢をする (Geri o Suru)

Alright, let's get straight to it. The most common and direct way to say 'to have diarrhea' in Japanese is 下痢をする (geri o suru). It's a B1 level verb, so it's quite common and useful to know, especially if you're traveling or living in Japan. You'll hear it in everyday conversations, in medical contexts, and even see it in product descriptions for over-the-counter remedies.

Japanese Word

下痢をする (geri o suru)

Meaning

To have diarrhea

§ Examples of Using 下痢をする

Here are a few practical examples to show you how 下痢をする is used in sentences:

Hint

I've had diarrhea since yesterday.

Hint

My stomach hurt, and I had diarrhea.

Hint

This medicine is effective at stopping diarrhea.

§ Similar Phrases and When to Use Them

While 下痢をする is your go-to phrase, it's good to know if there are alternatives, and when you might use them. For this particular bodily function, 下痢をする is overwhelmingly the standard. However, you might encounter other related expressions:

• お腹がゆるい (Onaka ga yurui): This literally means 'my stomach is loose'. It's a slightly softer, more colloquial way to say you have mild diarrhea or an upset stomach that's leaning towards diarrhea. It's less clinical than 下痢をする. You might use this if you're talking to friends or family and don't want to be quite as direct.
• お腹を壊す (Onaka o kowasu): This means 'to have an upset stomach' or 'to get sick to one's stomach'. It's a broader term that can include diarrhea, but also other stomach issues like indigestion or nausea. If you're not sure if it's full-blown diarrhea, or if you want to be vague, this is a good option.
• 腹痛 (Fukutsuu): This is simply 'stomach pain' or 'abdominal pain'. While often accompanying diarrhea, it's not the same thing. You would use this to describe the pain itself, not the act of having diarrhea.

So, when should you use 下痢をする versus these alternatives?

• Use 下痢をする: When you want to be precise and directly state that you have diarrhea. This is the most common and clear expression in medical contexts, when buying medicine, or in any situation where accuracy is important.
• Use お腹がゆるい: For milder cases, or when speaking casually with close acquaintances. It implies that your stomach isn't quite right and you're having loose bowel movements.
• Use お腹を壊す: When describing a general upset stomach that *might* include diarrhea, or if you want to be less specific about the exact symptom. It's good for when you're feeling unwell in your stomach area but haven't specifically identified diarrhea as the main issue.
• Use 腹痛: To specifically talk about stomach pain, regardless of whether diarrhea is present.

In summary, while there are related phrases, 下痢をする is the most direct and widely understood way to express 'to have diarrhea' in Japanese. Stick with it for clarity, especially in situations where precision matters. The other phrases offer softer or broader descriptions of stomach discomfort.