腹八分目(はらはちぶんめ)

はらはちぶんめ
noun
eating in moderation; being 80% full
foodhealthproverb
1. eating in moderation; stopping at 80% full
the practice of eating until about 80% full rather than completely full; a traditional Japanese concept for healthy eating
腹八分目(はらはちぶんめ)が健康(けんこう)の秘訣(ひけつ)だ。
Eating in moderation is the secret to good health.
腹八分目(はらはちぶんめ)で箸(はし)を置(お)く。
I put down my chopsticks when I'm 80% full.
「腹八分目(はらはちぶんめ)に医者(いしゃ)いらず」ということわざがある。
There's a proverb that says 'Eat in moderation and you won't need a doctor.'

Forms

腹(はら) (stomach) + 八分目(はちぶんめ) (eight-tenths, 80%) → 80% full stomach

Japanese health wisdom

This is a traditional Japanese approach to eating that emphasizes stopping before feeling completely full. Modern research supports this practice for weight management and longevity.

Proverb

腹八分目(はらはちぶんめ)に医者(いしゃ)いらず
"Eat in moderation and you won't need a doctor"

Variant

腹八分(はらはちぶ) (shorter form)

Related words

Cultural note

This concept is deeply embedded in Japanese food culture and is often cited as one reason for Japanese longevity. It contrasts with Western "clean your plate" attitudes.

Related Words

Related: 食(た)べ過(す)ぎ (overeating)
Related: 節制(せっせい) (moderation, self-control)
Related: 少食(しょうしょく) (eating sparingly)
Related: 満腹感(まんぷくかん) (feeling of fullness)
general
Added 2026.1.26 8:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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