腹(はら)

腹(はら) literally means belly or abdomen, but is used extensively in figurative expressions relating to emotions, intentions, and resolve. In Japanese culture, the belly is traditionally seen as the seat of one's true feelings.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS (literal):

• 腹(はら)が減(へ)る: to be hungry
• 腹(はら)が痛(いた)い: to have a stomachache
• 腹(はら)を壊(こわ)す: to have an upset stomach

COMMON EXPRESSIONS (figurative):

• 腹(はら)が立(た)つ: to get angry
• 腹(はら)を割(わ)って話(はな)す: to speak frankly ("split open the belly")
• 腹(はら)を決(き)める: to make up one's mind
• 腹(はら)が読(よ)めない: can't figure out what someone is thinking

Compounds

• 空腹(くうふく): hunger (empty belly)
• 満腹(まんぷく): full stomach
• 腹黒(はらぐろ)い: scheming, malicious ("black-bellied")

Note: More colloquial than 胃(い) (stomach as an organ) or お腹(なか) (politer word for belly).