胸焼(むねや)け

A burning or uncomfortable sensation in the chest area caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus. The word literally combines 胸(むね) (chest) and 焼(や)け (burning). Despite the English term "heartburn," the Japanese word focuses on the chest sensation rather than the heart.

Common collocations

• 胸焼(むねや)けがする: to have heartburn
• 胸焼(むねや)けがひどい: to have bad heartburn
• 胸焼(むねや)けを起(お)こす: to cause heartburn
• 胸焼(むねや)けの薬(くすり): heartburn medicine

Usage

Often triggered by eating too much, eating greasy food, or drinking too much alcohol. The expression 胸焼(むねや)けがする (using がする, not をする) is the standard way to say you have heartburn.

Related words

• 胃(い)もたれ: heavy stomach; feeling of food sitting in the stomach
• 吐(は)き気(け): nausea