臍(へそ)

へそ
noun
navel, belly button
1. navel, belly button
The scar on the abdomen from the umbilical cord.
臍(へそ)を出(だ)すな。
Don't expose your belly button.
臍(へそ)が出(で)ている服(ふく)を着(き)ている。
She's wearing clothes that show her belly button.
あの人(ひと)は臍(へそ)を曲(ま)げて、もう誰(だれ)とも話(はな)そうとしない。
That person is sulking and won't talk to anyone anymore.
臍(へそ)を曲(ま)げる means 'to sulk, to be in a bad mood.'

臍(へそ) means navel or belly button. Usually written in hiragana; the kanji 臍(へそ) is rarely used.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 臍(へそ)を出(だ)す: to show one's belly button
  • 出(で)べそ: outie belly button (protruding navel)

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS:

  • 臍(へそ)を曲(ま)げる: to sulk, to be in a bad mood (literally: bend one's navel)
  • 臍(へそ)で茶(ちゃ)を沸(わ)かす: to find something ridiculous/absurd (literally: boil tea with one's navel)
  • 臍(へそ)くり: secret savings, pin money

RELATED:

  • 臍(へそ)の緒(お): umbilical cord
  • お腹(なか): belly, stomach
  • 腹(はら): abdomen (more informal)
general
Added 2026.1.9 21:12 · Revised 2026.2.22 10:33
02000/02247_heso