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A2 noun #5,000 most common 12 min read

腹痛

fukutsuu Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 腹痛 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 腹痛 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic way to say 'my stomach hurts.' While '腹痛' (fukutsuu) is a bit advanced for absolute beginners, you will likely learn the phrase 'お腹が痛い' (onaka ga itai) first. At this stage, you just need to know that 'fukutsuu' is the formal word for that feeling. You might see it on a sign in a pharmacy or on a health form. Think of it as the 'label' for the pain you feel. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet; just recognizing that the kanji 腹 (stomach) and 痛 (pain) together mean a stomach ache is a great start. If you go to a doctor and are very nervous, simply pointing and saying 'itai' is okay, but seeing '腹痛' on the door helps you know you're in the right place for digestive issues.

At the A2 level, you are expected to handle basic social and professional situations. This is where '腹痛' (fukutsuu) becomes very useful. You should start using it when you need to explain why you are absent from work or school. Instead of the more childish 'onaka ga itai,' saying '腹痛のため...' (due to a stomach ache) makes you sound more like a responsible adult. You should also learn the basic grammar pattern '腹痛があります' (I have a stomach ache). At this level, you are beginning to distinguish between formal and informal Japanese, and 'fukutsuu' is your first 'formal' medical word. You should also be able to recognize it when a doctor asks you about your symptoms. It's a key word for surviving a basic medical visit in Japan.

By B1, you should be comfortable using '腹痛' in various grammatical structures. You should be able to describe the severity and frequency of the pain. For example, '時々、激しい腹痛が起こります' (Sometimes, intense abdominal pain occurs). You should also know related terms like '胃痛' (itsuu - stomach specific pain) and how they differ from the general '腹痛.' At this level, you might need to fill out more detailed medical forms where you have to specify the location of the pain (upper or lower abdomen). You are moving beyond just 'it hurts' to describing 'what kind' of pain it is using this noun as a base. You should also be familiar with the particle 'de' to indicate the cause: '腹痛で一晩中眠れませんでした' (I couldn't sleep all night due to abdominal pain).

At the B2 level, you should understand '腹痛' in broader contexts, such as news reports or health articles. You should be able to discuss the causes and treatments of abdominal pain in more detail. For example, discussing how stress (sutoresu) can lead to '腹痛.' You should also be aware of formal expressions like '腹痛を訴える' (to complain of abdominal pain), which is often used in news reporting. Your vocabulary should expand to include more technical collocations like '急性腹痛' (acute abdominal pain) or '慢性的な腹痛' (chronic abdominal pain). At this stage, you can use the word fluently in a professional medical consultation, explaining your history of symptoms with precision and using appropriate formal register.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of '腹痛' in literature and high-level medical discourse. You should be able to differentiate between various types of abdominal pain using specialized vocabulary. You might encounter '腹痛' in a novel to describe a character's internal state or a physical manifestation of their anxiety. You should also be familiar with the historical and cultural associations of 'hara' (the belly) in Japan, and how '腹痛' might be used metaphorically. In a professional setting, you could read medical journals or insurance documents that use '腹痛' as a standardized clinical term, and you should be able to synthesize that information into a coherent discussion or report. Your use of the word should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of register and context.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the term '腹痛' and its place in the Japanese language. You can use it in highly specialized medical contexts, legal documents, or complex literary analysis. You understand the subtle differences between 'fukutsuu,' 'itsuu,' 'sentsuu,' and other related terms perfectly. You can also appreciate how the term has evolved over time and its relationship with other Sinitic compounds. Whether you are translating medical texts, participating in a high-level medical symposium, or analyzing classical Japanese literature where abdominal distress is a theme, you handle '腹痛' with absolute precision. You are also aware of regional dialects or archaic forms of the word, though they are rarely used today, providing you with a deep, historical perspective on the language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

腹痛 in 30 Seconds

腹痛 (fukutsuu) is the formal noun for 'stomach ache' or 'abdominal pain,' used primarily in medical and professional contexts.
It is composed of the kanji for 'abdomen' (腹) and 'pain' (痛), and is read using the on-yomi (Sino-Japanese) reading.
While 'onaka ga itai' is common in casual talk, 'fukutsuu' is preferred when filling out forms or calling in sick.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'ga aru' (to have) or 'wo uttaeru' (to complain of), it is an essential A2 vocabulary word.

The term 腹痛 (ふくつう - fukutsuu) is the standard Japanese noun for 'stomach ache' or 'abdominal pain.' Linguistically, it is a kango (Sino-Japanese word) composed of two kanji characters: 腹 (hara/fuku), meaning 'abdomen' or 'belly,' and 痛 (itai/tsuu), meaning 'pain' or 'ache.' While beginners are often taught the phrase お腹が痛い (onaka ga itai) to express that their stomach hurts, 腹痛 serves as the formal, medical, and technical noun used in clinical settings, written reports, and formal conversations. Understanding the distinction between the colloquial 'onaka ga itai' and the formal 'fukutsuu' is a key milestone for A2-level learners transitioning into more professional or descriptive Japanese.

Register: Formal and Medical. Used in hospitals, pharmacies, and official documentation.

In daily life, you will encounter 腹痛 in various contexts. For instance, if you are filling out a medical questionnaire at a Japanese clinic (naika), you will see 腹痛 listed as a symptom to check off. Similarly, in news reports discussing food poisoning outbreaks, the announcer will use the term 腹痛 to describe the patients' symptoms. It is less common to hear a child scream 'Fukutsuu!' when they have a tummy ache; they are much more likely to use 'Onaka itai!' because 'fukutsuu' carries a certain weight of objective observation rather than just a subjective cry of discomfort.

昨夜から激しい腹痛に襲われています。
(I have been suffering from severe abdominal pain since last night.)

Furthermore, 腹痛 is used to categorize different types of pain. Medical professionals might distinguish between 'acute abdominal pain' (kyusei fukutsuu) and 'chronic abdominal pain' (mansei fukutsuu). For an English speaker, the word 'stomach ache' is often a catch-all term, but in Japanese, 腹痛 specifically refers to the entire abdominal region, not just the organ of the stomach (which would be 胃 - i). Therefore, if the pain is specifically in the stomach organ, the more precise term 胃痛 (itsuu) might be used, but 腹痛 remains the broader, more commonly used technical term for any pain in the midsection.

Kanji Breakdown: 腹 (Abdomen) + 痛 (Pain) = Abdominal Pain.

Socially, discussing 腹痛 requires a level of discretion. In Japanese culture, health issues are often discussed with a degree of euphemism. While 腹痛 is a direct term, in very formal settings, one might say 腹部の不快感 (fukubu no fukaikan), meaning 'abdominal discomfort.' However, for most social and professional interactions where you need to state a reason for being unwell, 腹痛 is the perfect balance of clarity and formality. It avoids the potentially overly-vivid imagery of 'onaka ga itai' while providing a clear medical reason for one's condition.

原因不明の腹痛で入院しました。
(I was hospitalized due to abdominal pain of unknown origin.)

In conclusion, while you might start your Japanese journey with 'onaka ga itai,' graduating to the use of 腹痛 allows you to navigate adult situations, such as visiting a doctor or explaining a sick day, with greater linguistic precision. It is a fundamental noun that appears in textbooks, media, and everyday professional life, making it an essential part of an A2 learner's vocabulary arsenal.

Using 腹痛 (ふくつう) correctly in a sentence involves understanding its role as a noun. Unlike the adjective 'itai,' which can end a sentence (e.g., Onaka ga itai), 腹痛 usually needs a verb to function. The most common verbs paired with 腹痛 are ある (aru - to have/exist), 訴える (uttaeru - to complain of), and 起こす (okosu - to cause/develop). For a learner, mastering these pairings is essential for natural-sounding Japanese.

Common Verb Pairings: 腹痛がある (To have a stomach ache), 腹痛を覚える (To feel a stomach ache), 腹痛がひどい (The stomach ache is severe).

When you want to say you have a stomach ache using this noun, you would say 腹痛があります (Fukutsuu ga arimasu). This is functionally equivalent to 'I have abdominal pain.' If the pain is particularly bad, you can use adjectives like 激しい (hageshii - violent/intense) or ひどい (hidoi - terrible) to modify the noun. For example, 激しい腹痛 (hageshii fukutsuu) means 'intense abdominal pain.' This structure is very common in medical contexts where the severity of the symptom must be specified.

彼は今朝から腹痛を訴えています。
(He has been complaining of abdominal pain since this morning.)

Another important usage is describing the cause of the pain. You can use the particle で (de) to indicate the reason for an action or state. For example, 腹痛で学校を休みました (Fukutsuu de gakkou wo yasumimashita) means 'I was absent from school due to a stomach ache.' This is a standard way to provide a medical reason for missing an event. In this context, 腹痛 acts as the 'cause' in a cause-and-effect sentence structure.

In more complex sentences, 腹痛 can be the subject or the object. As a subject: 腹痛が治まりました (Fukutsuu ga osamarimashita) - 'The stomach ache has subsided.' As an object: 腹痛を抑える薬 (Fukutsuu wo osaeru kusuri) - 'Medicine that suppresses abdominal pain.' Notice how the noun remains stable, but the particles and verbs around it change to convey specific medical actions. This versatility makes it a powerful word for describing health conditions accurately.

ストレスが原因で腹痛が起こることがあります。
(Stomach aches can occur due to stress.)

Finally, you might see 腹痛 combined with other nouns to create compound terms. For example, 腹痛薬 (fukutsuu-yaku) refers to stomach ache medicine, though 胃腸薬 (ichou-yaku) is more common for general digestive medicine. Understanding these patterns helps you recognize the word in various forms, whether it's a standalone symptom or part of a larger medical description. Practice using 腹痛 with 'ga arimasu' and 'de [verb]' to build a strong foundation in functional Japanese health vocabulary.

Sentence Pattern: [Cause] + で + 腹痛 + が + [Verb (e.g., 起こる)]

You will encounter the word 腹痛 (ふくつう) in a variety of real-world Japanese environments, ranging from the sterile halls of a hospital to the dramatic scenes of a TV medical drama. Because it is the standard medical term, it is the 'default' word in any context that isn't purely casual conversation between friends or family. Knowing where to expect it will help you tune your ears to this important noun.

Medical Settings: Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. You'll hear doctors ask, 'Fukutsuu wa arimasu ka?' (Do you have abdominal pain?)

In a Japanese hospital (byouin), 腹痛 is the primary term used in triage. When you first arrive and speak to the receptionist or nurse, they will ask you to describe your symptoms. Instead of just saying 'Onaka itai,' using 'Fukutsuu ga arimasu' signals that you are describing a clinical symptom. You will also see it printed on medicine packets. If you go to a drugstore (kusuri-ya) like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, the signs for digestive aids will often feature the kanji for 腹痛 to help customers find relief for their symptoms.

「腹痛のほかに、吐き気はありますか？」
("Besides abdominal pain, do you have any nausea?")

The word is also a staple of news broadcasts and newspapers. If there is a report on a school lunch causing illness, the news anchor will say, 「児童数十人が腹痛を訴え...」 (Jidou suujuunin ga fukutsuu wo uttae...), meaning 'Dozens of children complained of abdominal pain...' In this context, 腹痛 is used because it is objective and professional. It provides a clear, standardized description of the medical situation without the informal nuances of everyday speech.

In the workplace, 腹痛 is the standard term for reporting illness. If you are calling in sick, you might say, 「腹痛のため、本日はお休みをいただきます」 (Fukutsuu no tame, honjitsu wa oyasumi wo itadakimasu). This is the 'adult' way to say you have a stomach ache. Using 'onaka ga itai' in this context might sound a bit too casual or even slightly childish, as 'onaka' is a 'beautified' word (using the 'o' prefix) often used by women and children, whereas 'fukutsuu' is neutral and professional.

この薬は、急な腹痛によく効きます。
(This medicine works well for sudden abdominal pain.)

Finally, you will hear 腹痛 in educational settings. In health class (hoken), students learn about the digestive system and common ailments using this term. Because it is a fundamental part of the Japanese vocabulary for health and biology, it is introduced early in school. For a learner, hearing 腹痛 in these various contexts reinforces its status as a versatile, essential noun that bridges the gap between basic survival Japanese and more sophisticated, situational communication.

News Context: 食中毒のニュースで「腹痛」という言葉がよく使われます。(The word 'fukutsuu' is often used in news about food poisoning.)

Learning to use 腹痛 (ふくつう) correctly involves avoiding a few common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. The most frequent mistake is confusing the grammatical function of the word. Since 'stomach ache' in English is a noun, learners often try to use 腹痛 like an adjective because they are familiar with 痛い (itai). However, 腹痛 is strictly a noun and cannot be used to describe something directly without a supporting verb or particle.

Mistake #1: Using it as an Adjective: Incorrect: 私は腹痛です (I am stomach ache). Correct: 私は腹痛があります (I have a stomach ache) or 腹痛がします (I feel abdominal pain).

Another common error is the misreading of the kanji. The kanji 腹 can be read as 'hara' (kun-yomi) or 'fuku' (on-yomi). Similarly, 痛 can be 'itai' or 'tsuu.' Beginners often mix these up and say 'hara-tsuu' or 'fuku-itai.' While 'hara-ita' is a valid (though informal) word, 'hara-tsuu' is not. The correct, standard reading is always ふくつう (fukutsuu). Memorizing the on-yomi compound as a single unit is the best way to avoid this confusion.

❌ 腹痛 (はらつう) があります。
✅ 腹痛 (ふくつう) があります。

A third mistake involves overusing 腹痛 in very casual settings. If you are at home with friends and your stomach hurts from eating too much pizza, saying 'fukutsuu ga arimasu' might sound a bit too clinical or 'stiff.' In those cases, 'onaka ga itai' or even 'onaka kowashita' (I broke my stomach/have an upset stomach) is much more natural. Using 腹痛 where a simple 'itai' would suffice can make you sound like you're reading from a textbook rather than speaking naturally.

Learners also sometimes confuse 腹痛 with 胃痛 (itsuu). While they are related, 腹痛 is the general term for the entire abdomen, while 胃痛 is specifically the stomach organ. If you have a cramp lower down, calling it 'itsuu' would be medically incorrect. Conversely, if you have a sharp pain specifically where the stomach is located, 'itsuu' is more precise. Understanding this anatomical distinction helps you communicate more effectively with doctors.

❌ 下腹部が胃痛です。
✅ 下腹部に腹痛があります。

Finally, be careful with the particle usage. Some learners try to use を (wo) with 腹痛 in ways that don't make sense, like 'Fukutsuu wo arimasu.' Remember that 'aru' (to exist) always takes the particle が (ga). If you use 'uttaeru' (to complain), then you use 'wo.' Paying attention to these small grammatical markers will ensure your use of 腹痛 is both accurate and natural.

Particle Guide: 腹痛 + が + あります (Pain exists) / 腹痛 + を + 訴える (To complain of pain).

While 腹痛 (ふくつう) is the standard term, Japanese has several other ways to describe stomach-related discomfort. Knowing these alternatives will allow you to be more specific or adjust your tone based on the situation. The most common alternative is the phrase お腹が痛い (onaka ga itai), which is the go-to expression for daily life. It is softer and more subjective than the clinical 腹痛.

Comparison: 腹痛 vs お腹が痛い: 腹痛 is a formal noun (Abdominal pain). お腹が痛い is a descriptive phrase (My stomach hurts). Use the former in reports, the latter in talk.

Another important word is 胃痛 (いつう - itsuu). This specifically refers to pain in the stomach organ (the 'i'). If your pain is caused by acid reflux or a stomach ulcer, a doctor might use 'itsuu' instead of the broader 'fukutsuu.' There is also 腹痛 (はらいた - hara-ita). Although it uses the same kanji, reading it as 'hara-ita' makes it a colloquial noun, often used in phrases like 'hara-ita ga suru.' This is more common in masculine speech or very informal settings.

食べ過ぎて胃痛がします。
(My stomach (organ) hurts from overeating.)

For an 'upset stomach' or diarrhea-related pain, you might hear お腹を壊す (onaka wo kowasu), which literally means 'to break one's stomach.' This is very common when talking about food poisoning or digestive issues. Another term is 疝痛 (せんつう - sentsuu), which refers to 'colic' or sharp, intermittent abdominal pain. While this is a more advanced medical term (N1 level), it shows how specific Japanese can get when describing pain types.

In terms of onomatopoeia, which Japanese uses extensively, きりきり (kiri-kiri) and しくしく (shiku-shiku) are often used with stomach pain. 'Kiri-kiri' describes a sharp, piercing pain (often from stress or an ulcer), while 'shiku-shiku' describes a dull, persistent ache. Combining these with 'onaka ga itai' provides a much more vivid picture of the suffering than the noun 腹痛 alone could ever achieve.

胃がきりきりと痛みます。
(My stomach has a sharp, piercing pain.)

Finally, consider 腹部不快感 (fukubu fukaikan), which means 'abdominal discomfort.' This is even more formal than 腹痛 and is often used in medical studies or by very polite speakers who want to avoid the direct word for 'pain.' By learning these variations, you can tailor your Japanese to be as precise, polite, or casual as the situation demands, moving beyond simple textbook phrases into real-world fluency.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. お腹が痛い (General) 2. 胃痛 (Stomach specific) 3. 腹痛 (Hara-ita, informal) 4. お腹を壊す (Upset stomach).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Japan, the 'hara' (belly) was believed to be the residence of the soul and the source of emotions. This is why many Japanese idioms related to decision-making and character involve the word 'hara,' even though 'fukutsuu' itself remains a literal medical term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK fɯ.kɯ.tsɯː

US fu.ku.tsuː

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level after an initial slight rise.

Rhymes With

普通 (futsuu - normal) 苦痛 (kutsuu - pain/agony) 夢中 (muchuu - daze/absorbed) 空中 (kuuchuu - air) 集中 (shuuchuu - concentration) 流通 (ryuutsuu - distribution) 交通 (koutsuu - traffic) 精通 (seitsuu - well-versed)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'hara-tsuu' (mixing kun-yomi and on-yomi).
Making the 'tsu' sound like 'su'.
Shortening the final long 'u' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'fu' (it should be nearly silent/whispered).
Confusing it with 'fukutsu' (unyielding), which has a different second kanji.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but the on-yomi reading 'fukutsuu' must be memorized.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 腹 and 痛 have many strokes and require practice to write neatly.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as the long 'u' is maintained.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable once the 'tsuu' suffix for pain is learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

お腹 (onaka) 痛い (itai) 体 (karada) 病気 (byouki) 薬 (kusuri)

Learn Next

頭痛 (zutsuu) 腰痛 (youtsuu) 診察 (shinsatsu) 症状 (shoujou) 診断 (shindan)

Advanced

腹膜炎 (fukumakuen) 胃潰瘍 (ikaiyou) 盲腸炎 (mouchouen) 消化器 (shoukaki) 鎮痛剤 (chintsuuzai)

Grammar to Know

Noun + のため (Due to...)

腹痛のため、休みます。

Noun + がある (Existence of something)

腹痛があります。

Noun + を + Verb (Object marker)

腹痛を訴える。

Noun + に + 効く (Effective for...)

腹痛に効く薬。

Adjective + Noun (Modification)

激しい腹痛。

Examples by Level

おなかがいたいです。

My stomach hurts. (Basic phrase related to 腹痛)

A1 level focuses on the basic adjective 'itai'.

ここは「ふくつう」のくすりです。

This is medicine for 'fukutsuu' (stomach ache).

Introducing the word in a simple noun phrase.

たべすぎて、おなかがいたくなりました。

I ate too much and my stomach started to hurt.

Using 'naru' (to become) with 'itai'.

びょういんで「ふくつう」といわれました。

At the hospital, I was told it's a 'fukutsuu'.

Recognizing the word as a diagnosis.

あしたは、おなかがいたいから休みます。

Tomorrow, I will be absent because my stomach hurts.

Using 'kara' for reason.

おなかがいたい？はい、いたいです。

Does your stomach hurt? Yes, it does.

Simple question and answer.

いたいのは、おなかです。

The place that hurts is the stomach.

Identifying the location of pain.

このくすりは、おなかにいいです。

This medicine is good for the stomach.

Simple 'ii' (good) construction.

昨日は腹痛で仕事を休みました。

I was absent from work yesterday due to a stomach ache.

Using 'de' to indicate cause.

腹痛がありますか？

Do you have abdominal pain?

Standard polite question in a medical context.

この薬は腹痛によく効きます。

This medicine works well for stomach aches.

Using 'ni kiku' (to be effective for).

ひどい腹痛で夜中に目が覚めました。

I woke up in the middle of the night due to a terrible stomach ache.

Modifying 腹痛 with 'hidoi'.

腹痛の原因は何ですか？

What is the cause of the abdominal pain?

Using 'gen'in' (cause) with 'no'.

腹痛が治まったので、学校へ行きました。

The stomach ache subsided, so I went to school.

Using 'osamaru' (to subside).

急な腹痛に襲われました。

I was suddenly struck by a stomach ache.

Using 'osowareru' (to be attacked/struck by).

腹痛のときは、何も食べないほうがいいです。

When you have a stomach ache, it's better not to eat anything.

Using 'no toki' (when) with a noun.

腹痛に加えて、熱もあります。

In addition to the stomach ache, I also have a fever.

Using 'ni kuwaete' (in addition to).

慢性的（まんせいてき）な腹痛に悩んでいます。

I am suffering from chronic abdominal pain.

Using 'nayamu' (to suffer/be worried).

腹痛がひどい場合は、すぐに病院に行ってください。

If the abdominal pain is severe, please go to the hospital immediately.

Using 'baai' (in the case of).

彼は腹痛を理由に会議を欠席した。

He was absent from the meeting, citing a stomach ache as the reason.

Using 'wo riyuu ni' (with ... as the reason).

腹痛を和らげる（やわらげる）方法を教えてください。

Please tell me how to ease abdominal pain.

Using 'yawarageru' (to ease/soften).

冷たいものを飲みすぎて腹痛を起こした。

I caused a stomach ache by drinking too many cold drinks.

Using 'okosu' (to cause/bring about).

腹痛が続くようなら、検査（けんさ）が必要です。

If the stomach ache continues, an examination is necessary.

Using 'tsuzuku you nara' (if it seems to continue).

ストレスが原因で腹痛になることがあります。

There are times when stress causes stomach aches.

Using 'koto ga aru' (there are times when).

患者は激しい腹痛を訴えて救急搬送された。

The patient complained of severe abdominal pain and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance.

Using 'uttaeru' (to complain of symptoms).

この薬の副作用として、稀に腹痛が現れることがあります。

As a side effect of this medicine, abdominal pain may rarely appear.

Using 'fukusayou' (side effect) and 'arawareru' (to appear).

腹痛の部位（ぶい）によって、考えられる病気が異なります。

Depending on the location of the abdominal pain, the possible illnesses differ.

Using 'ni yotte' (depending on).

食後の腹痛は、消化不良（しょうかふりょう）が原因かもしれません。

Stomach pain after meals might be caused by indigestion.

Using 'kamoshirenai' (might be).

腹痛を伴う（ともなう）下痢が数日間続いています。

Diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain has been continuing for several days.

Using 'tomonau' (to accompany).

精神的な緊張が腹痛として現れることは珍しくない。

It is not uncommon for mental tension to manifest as abdominal pain.

Using 'mezurashiku nai' (not uncommon).

腹痛を抑える（おさえる）ために、温かいお茶を飲んだ。

I drank warm tea to suppress the abdominal pain.

Using 'tame ni' (in order to).

定期的な腹痛がある場合は、専門医（せんもんい）の診察を受けてください。

If you have regular abdominal pain, please see a specialist.

Using 'shinsatsu wo ukeru' (to receive a medical examination).

その疾患（しっかん）の主症状は、突発的な腹痛である。

The main symptom of that disease is sudden abdominal pain.

Using 'shushoujou' (main symptom).

腹痛の程度を数値化（すうちか）して評価する。

We will evaluate the degree of abdominal pain by quantifying it.

Using 'suuchika' (quantification).

慢性の腹痛は、生活の質（QOL）を著しく低下させる。

Chronic abdominal pain significantly reduces the quality of life (QOL).

Using 'ichijirushiku' (significantly).

腹痛の原因を特定するために、精密検査（せいみつけんさ）を行った。

In order to identify the cause of the abdominal pain, a detailed examination was conducted.

Using 'tokutei' (identify/specify).

彼は腹痛に耐えながら（たえながら）、仕事を完遂した。

He completed the work while enduring abdominal pain.

Using 'nagara' (while doing) with 'taeru' (endure).

腹痛の背後に重大な疾病（しっぺい）が隠れている可能性がある。

There is a possibility that a serious illness is hidden behind the abdominal pain.

Using 'haigo ni' (behind/in the background).

適切な処置（しょち）により、腹痛は速やかに改善した。

Due to appropriate treatment, the abdominal pain improved quickly.

Using 'sumiyaka ni' (quickly/promptly).

腹痛のメカニズムを解明（かいめい）するための研究が進んでいる。

Research to clarify the mechanism of abdominal pain is progressing.

Using 'kaimei' (clarification/elucidation).

腹痛という身体的苦痛が、彼の精神を蝕んでいった。

The physical suffering of abdominal pain gradually eroded his spirit.

Using 'mushibamu' (to erode/eat away at).

臨床（りんしょう）データによれば、腹痛の訴えは多岐にわたる。

According to clinical data, complaints of abdominal pain are wide-ranging.

Using 'taki ni wataru' (to be wide-ranging).

腹痛の緩解（かんかい）と増悪（ぞうあく）を繰り返す病態である。

It is a pathological condition that repeats the remission and exacerbation of abdominal pain.

Using medical terms 'kankai' and 'zouaku'.

腹痛に対する多角的なアプローチが求められている。

A multifaceted approach to abdominal pain is required.

Using 'takakuteki' (multifaceted).

その小説では、腹痛が主人公の心理的葛藤を象徴している。

In that novel, abdominal pain symbolizes the protagonist's psychological conflict.

Using 'shouchou' (symbolize).

腹痛を伴う一連の症候群（しょうこうぐん）について考察する。

We will consider a series of syndromes accompanied by abdominal pain.

Using 'kousatsu' (consideration/analysis).

腹痛の知覚は、個人の文化的背景によっても左右される。

The perception of abdominal pain is also influenced by an individual's cultural background.

Using 'sayuu sareru' (to be influenced/governed by).

腹痛の機序（きじょ）に関する最新の知見を共有する。

We will share the latest findings regarding the mechanism of abdominal pain.

Using 'kijo' (mechanism) and 'chiken' (findings/knowledge).

Common Collocations

激しい腹痛

腹痛を訴える

腹痛が起こる

腹痛が治まる

腹痛の原因

急な腹痛

慢性的腹痛

腹痛薬

腹痛を伴う

腹痛を和らげる

Common Phrases

腹痛のため

— Due to a stomach ache. Used to give a reason for absence.

腹痛のため、欠席します。

腹痛があります

— I have a stomach ache. Standard polite way to state the symptom.

先生、腹痛があります。

ひどい腹痛

— A terrible stomach ache. Emphasizes the severity.

昨日はひどい腹痛だった。

腹痛がする

— To feel a stomach ache. Similar to 'ga aru' but emphasizes the sensation.

なんだか腹痛がする。

腹痛持ち

— Someone who frequently suffers from stomach aches.

私は昔から腹痛持ちなんです。

腹痛を抑える

— To suppress or manage the stomach pain.

腹痛を抑える薬を飲んだ。

腹痛に効く

— To be effective against stomach aches.

このお茶は腹痛に効くよ。

腹痛の症状

— Symptoms of a stomach ache.

腹痛の症状を詳しく教えてください。

突然の腹痛

— A sudden stomach ache.

突然の腹痛に驚いた。

腹痛を我慢する

— To endure or put up with a stomach ache.

腹痛を我慢して仕事を続けた。

Often Confused With

腹痛 vs 胃痛 (itsuu)

Specifically refers to the stomach organ, whereas 腹痛 is the entire abdomen.

腹痛 vs 頭痛 (zutsuu)

Both end in 'tsuu' but one is a headache and the other is a stomach ache.

腹痛 vs 腹痛 (hara-ita)

The same kanji but a different reading; 'hara-ita' is informal, 'fukutsuu' is formal.

Idioms & Expressions

"腹を抱えて笑う"

— To laugh so hard that your stomach hurts (holding your belly).

彼の漫才を見て、腹を抱えて笑った。

Casual

"腹が痛む"

— To feel sorry for someone or to feel a pang of conscience (metaphorical).

彼の不遇を見ると、こちらの腹が痛む思いだ。

Literary

"腹を壊す"

— To have an upset stomach or diarrhea.

冷たいものを食べすぎて腹を壊した。

Neutral

"腹が決まる"

— To make up one's mind (related to 'hara' as the seat of resolve).

ようやく腹が決まった。

Neutral

"腹に据えかねる"

— To be unable to stomach something; to be unable to forgive.

彼の態度は腹に据えかねる。

Formal

"腹を割って話す"

— To speak frankly and honestly (opening one's belly/heart).

一度、腹を割って話そう。

Neutral

"腹が黒い"

— To be black-hearted or scheming.

あいつは腹が黒いから気をつけろ。

Informal

"腹を立てる"

— To get angry.

そんなことで腹を立てるなよ。

Neutral

"腹を探る"

— To try to find out someone's real intentions.

相手の腹を探るような質問をした。

Neutral

"腹に一物ある"

— To have a hidden motive or agenda.

彼は腹に一物ありそうな顔をしている。

Formal

Easily Confused

腹痛 vs 不屈 (fukutsu)

Sounds very similar to 'fukutsuu' (腹痛).

不屈 (fukutsu) means 'unyielding' or 'indomitable,' while 腹痛 (fukutsuu) means 'stomach ache.' The second syllable in 'fukutsuu' is longer.

彼の不屈の精神に感動した。(I was moved by his indomitable spirit.)

腹痛 vs 苦痛 (kutsuu)

Both end in 'tsuu' and refer to pain.

苦痛 (kutsuu) is a general word for 'pain' or 'suffering' (physical or mental), whereas 腹痛 is specifically abdominal.

別れは大きな苦痛だった。(The breakup was a great pain.)

腹痛 vs 腹部 (fukubu)

Both start with 'fuku' (腹).

腹部 is the anatomical term for 'abdomen' (the area), while 腹痛 is the pain in that area.

腹部に違和感がある。(There is a strange feeling in the abdomen.)

腹痛 vs 胃痛 (itsuu)

Both are stomach-related pains.

胃痛 is specifically the stomach (organ), often associated with ulcers or acid. 腹痛 is the whole belly area.

空腹時に胃痛がする。(I get stomach pain when I'm hungry.)

腹痛 vs 普通 (futsuu)

Rhymes with 'fukutsuu'.

普通 (futsuu) means 'normal' or 'ordinary.' It has no relation to pain.

今日は普通の生活に戻った。(Today I returned to a normal life.)

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は [Time] から腹痛があります。

私は昨夜から腹痛があります。

腹痛のため [Action/Result]。

腹痛のため早退しました。

[Adjective] 腹痛に襲われる。

激しい腹痛に襲われました。

腹痛を和らげるために [Action]。

腹痛を和らげるために薬を飲みました。

腹痛を訴えて [Action]。

腹痛を訴えて病院へ行きました。

腹痛の原因を [Verb]。

腹痛の原因を調査しています。

腹痛を伴う [Noun]。

腹痛を伴う感染症が流行しています。

腹痛が [Verb] を象徴する。

腹痛が彼の内面的な苦悩を象徴している。

Word Family

Nouns

腹 (hara - belly)

痛み (itami - pain)

腹部 (fukubu - abdomen)

痛覚 (tsuukaku - sense of pain)

Verbs

痛む (itamu - to ache)

痛める (itameru - to hurt/injure)

Adjectives

痛い (itai - painful)

痛ましい (itamashii - pitiful/heartbreaking)

胃痛 (itsuu - stomach ache)

頭痛 (zutsuu - headache)

腰痛 (youtsuu - lower back pain)

歯痛 (shitsuu - toothache)

胸痛 (kyoutsuu - chest pain)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in health contexts, news, and professional environments.

Common Mistakes

Using 'hara-tsuu' as the reading. → fukutsuu
This is a common 'mix-and-match' error where learners combine the kun-yomi 'hara' with the on-yomi 'tsuu'. Use 'fukutsuu' for the formal noun.
Saying 'Watashi wa fukutsuu desu.' → Watashi wa fukutsuu ga arimasu.
In Japanese, you don't 'are' a stomach ache; you 'have' one. Using 'ga arimasu' (exists) is grammatically correct for symptoms.
Confusing 腹痛 (fukutsuu) with 胃痛 (itsuu) at the doctor. → Use 'fukutsuu' for general pain, 'itsuu' for specific stomach organ pain.
If you tell a doctor 'itsuu' but your lower belly hurts, they might look in the wrong place. 'Fukutsuu' is the safer, broader term.
Using 'fukutsuu' with friends in a very casual setting. → onaka ga itai
Using the medical term 'fukutsuu' with close friends can sound stiff or awkward. Stick to 'onaka ga itai' for daily casual life.
Forgetting the long 'u' at the end (saying 'fukutsu'). → fukutsuu
The long 'u' is vital. 'Fukutsu' means something entirely different (indomitable). Always extend the final vowel.

Tips

When to Use

Always use 'fukutsuu' when filling out health forms at a gym, school, or hospital. It shows you have a good grasp of formal Japanese vocabulary.

Pairing with Verbs

Remember that 'fukutsuu' is a noun. You can't just say 'fukutsuu!' when it hurts. Pair it with 'ga arimasu' or 'ga shimasu' to make a complete sentence.

Belly Warmers

In Japan, a common belief is that a cold belly leads to 'fukutsuu.' Many people wear a 'haramaki' (belly warmer) to prevent this. Mentioning this can be a great conversation starter!

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 腹 (abdomen) has the 'moon' radical on the left, which often represents body parts (niku-zuki). Seeing this radical helps you identify words related to the body.

Workplace Etiquette

If you are calling in sick, 'fukutsuu no tame' is the perfect level of formality. It explains the situation clearly without being too personal or too casual.

Drugstore Signs

Look for the kanji 腹痛 in drugstores. It will usually be near the '胃腸薬' (ichou-yaku - digestive medicine) section. This helps you find what you need without asking.

Broad vs Specific

If you don't know exactly what's wrong but your belly hurts, 'fukutsuu' is the safest word. It covers everything from gas to serious cramps.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of 痛. The 'sickness' radical (疒) is written first. Writing it correctly makes the character look balanced and professional.

News Patterns

News anchors often say 'fukutsuu wo uttae...' (complaining of abdominal pain). If you hear this, you know they are talking about a health-related news story.

Pitch Accent

Try to say 'fukutsuu' with a flat pitch. Avoid putting stress on any one syllable, which is a common habit for English speakers.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'FUKU' (like 'food' going in) and 'TSUU' (like 'too' much pain). When you eat too much 'FUKU', you get 'TSUU' (Fukutsuu)!

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding their belly (腹) while a lightning bolt (representing pain 痛) strikes it.

Word Web

腹 (Hara - Belly) 痛 (Itai - Pain) 病院 (Byouin - Hospital) 薬 (Kusuri - Medicine) お腹 (Onaka - Stomach) 胃 (I - Stomach organ) 健康 (Kenkou - Health) 病気 (Byouki - Illness)

Challenge

Try to use '腹痛' in a sentence today when talking about health, instead of just using 'itai.' For example, say '腹痛の薬を飲みます' (I will take stomach ache medicine).

Word Origin

腹痛 is a Sinitic compound (kango) that was imported from Chinese into Japanese. The characters 腹 (abdomen) and 痛 (pain) have been used together for centuries in medical texts to describe this specific ailment.

Original meaning: Physical pain in the abdominal cavity.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

While 腹痛 is a standard term, avoid discussing the details of digestive issues during meals, as it is considered 'fuketsu' (unclean) and impolite.

English speakers often use 'stomach ache' loosely. Japanese speakers are more likely to use 'fukutsuu' in formal settings and 'onaka ga itai' in casual ones.

The classic 'hara-ita' trope in anime where a character gets a nervous stomach before a big event. Commercials for 'Seirogan' (a famous Japanese stomach medicine) always mention 腹痛. Medical dramas like 'Doctor-X' frequently use 'fukutsuu' during patient diagnosis.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

腹痛があります。
いつから腹痛が始まりましたか？
激しい腹痛ですか？
腹痛の部位を教えてください。

At the Workplace

腹痛のため、休みます。
腹痛がひどいので、早退します。
腹痛はもう大丈夫です。
急な腹痛で遅れました。

At the Pharmacy

腹痛に効く薬をください。
この薬は腹痛に効きますか？
子供の腹痛に使えますか？
腹痛薬を探しています。

In the News

多くの人が腹痛を訴えました。
原因は不明の腹痛です。
腹痛の症状が広がっています。
腹痛による入院患者が増えています。

Casual with Friends

昨日、腹痛で死にそうだったよ。
腹痛持ちだから辛いんだ。
また腹痛？大丈夫？
腹痛が治らなくて困ってる。

Conversation Starters

"最近、腹痛になることが多いのですが、どうすればいいですか？ (I've been having stomach aches often lately, what should I do?)"

"腹痛に効くいい食べ物や飲み物はありますか？ (Are there any good foods or drinks for a stomach ache?)"

"昨日、腹痛で会社を休んだのですが、何か重要な連絡はありましたか？ (I missed work yesterday due to a stomach ache; was there any important news?)"

"この薬、腹痛にすごく効くって聞いたけど、本当？ (I heard this medicine is really effective for stomach aches, is it true?)"

"腹痛のときは、お粥を食べるのが一番ですよね。 (When you have a stomach ache, eating porridge is the best, right?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、突然の腹痛に襲われました。その時の状況と、どうやって対処したか書いてください。 (Today I was suddenly struck by a stomach ache. Write about the situation and how you handled it.)

あなたが「腹痛持ち」だとしたら、どんな時に痛くなりますか？ (If you were someone who often gets stomach aches, when do they usually happen?)

日本の病院で腹痛の症状を説明する練習をしましょう。 (Practice explaining your stomach ache symptoms at a Japanese hospital.)

腹痛で学校や仕事を休んだ日の過ごし方について書いてください。 (Write about how you spend a day when you stay home from school or work due to a stomach ache.)

「腹痛」と「お腹が痛い」の使い分けについて、自分の考えをまとめてください。 (Summarize your thoughts on the difference between using 'fukutsuu' and 'onaka ga itai'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'onaka ga itai' is much more common in daily speech. 'Fukutsuu' is specifically used in formal, medical, or professional contexts. For example, you would use 'fukutsuu' on a medical form, but tell your friend 'onaka ga itai'.

No, 'hara-tsuu' is an incorrect reading. You must either use the formal on-yomi reading 'fukutsuu' or the informal kun-yomi reading 'hara-ita'. 'Fukutsuu' is the standard.

腹痛 (fukutsuu) is a general term for abdominal pain anywhere in the belly. 胃痛 (itsuu) refers specifically to pain in the stomach organ (the 'i'). If you have a general belly ache, use 腹痛.

The most formal and natural way is to say '腹痛があります' (Fukutsuu ga arimasu) or, if you are calling in sick, '腹痛のため、お休みをいただきます' (Due to a stomach ache, I will take the day off).

While technically a pain in the abdomen, menstrual cramps are usually called '生理痛' (seiritsuu). However, in a general sense, one might say they have 'fukutsuu' if they don't want to be specific.

It is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'fukutsuu desu' to mean 'It is painful' in the same way you use 'itai desu.' It means 'the condition of abdominal pain.'

'Hara-ita' is a colloquial reading of the same kanji 腹痛. It is often used by men or in very informal settings, but 'fukutsuu' is safer and more professional for learners to use.

You can say '激しい腹痛' (hageshii fukutsuu) for intense pain, or use the onomatopoeia 'きりきり' (kiri-kiri) as in 'お腹がきりきり痛む' (my stomach has a sharp, piercing pain).

Yes, but often in the 'hara-ita' reading or when a character is being overly dramatic or formal. You might also see it in subtitles for medical scenes.

Usually 'ga' (腹痛がある) or 'wo' (腹痛を訴える). If you are giving it as a reason, use 'de' (腹痛で休みます).