腹八分(はらはちぶ)

はらはちぶ
noun
eating until 80% full; moderate eating
healthfood
1. eating until about 80 percent full; eating in moderation
The practice of stopping eating before feeling completely full, regarded as good for health. Also said as 腹八分目(はらはちぶんめ).
腹八分(はらはちぶ)で止(と)めておく。
I stop at 80 percent full.
医者(いしゃ)に腹八分(はらはちぶ)を勧(すす)められた。
The doctor advised me to eat in moderation.
昔(むかし)から「腹八分(はらはちぶ)に医者(いしゃ)いらず」と言(い)われている。
Since old times it has been said that eating to 80 percent keeps the doctor away.

Often expanded to 腹八分目(はらはちぶんめ). Expresses the traditional idea that stopping before one is full is good for health and longevity.

Common expressions

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 満腹(まんぷく) (full stomach)
general
Added 2026.7.19 9:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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