Translation and Meaning of: 腹 - hara

Etymology and Meaning of 「腹」(hara)

The Japanese word 「腹」, with the kana reading "はら" (hara), refers to the abdomen or belly. The kanji written as 「腹」 is composed of two main radicals: 「⾙」 which refers to flesh, and 「复」 which indicates something covered or hidden. Together, they suggest the idea of a part of the body covered with flesh, that is, the abdomen. The implicit concept here is that of the central region of the body that houses vital organs.

Variations and Cultural Use

In addition to its literal meaning, 「腹」 has significant metaphorical and cultural uses in Japan. For example, the expression 「腹を決める」 (hara o kimeru) means "to make a firm decision". Another example is 「腹が立つ」 (hara ga tatsu), which refers to "becoming angry". These expressions denote how the word is used in an emotional context, indicating the cultural importance of the abdomen as the seat of emotions and inner strength.

Common History and Traditions

Historically, the term gained notoriety through the ritual practice of "seppuku" or "hara-kiri" (腹切り), where samurai performed a ritualistic act of suicide through a cut in the abdomen. This term conveys the importance that 「腹」 had in ancient Japanese codes of honor, being a demonstration of courage and true intention. However, nowadays, the use of the word is much more benign and commonplace.

Moreover, 「腹」 also appears in expressions of health and well-being. In modern Japan, there is a growing emphasis on practices like "hara hachi bu" (腹八分目), which suggests eating until one is 80% satisfied, promoting a healthy and balanced life. This practice highlights how the concept of 「腹」 remains relevant in contemporary Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 腹部 (fukubu) - Body part where the abdomen is located.
• お腹 (onaka) - Stomach, belly; often used casually or affectionately.
• 胃 (i) - Stomach; the organ responsible for digestion.
• 胃袋 (ibukuro) - Bags of the stomach; an alternative way to refer to the stomach.
• 胃腸 (ichou) - Stomach and intestines; it refers to the digestive system as a whole.
• 胃腸管 (ichoukan) - Digestive tract; refers to the path of food through the digestive system.
• 腹中 (fukuchuu) - Interior of the abdomen; refers to the abdominal cavity.
• 腹内 (fukunai) - Inside the abdomen; similar to 腹中.
• 腹中空 (fukuchuu kuu) - Abdominal cavity; the empty space inside the abdomen.
• 腹腔 (fukukuu) - Abdominal cavity; refers to the area inside the abdomen that contains internal organs.
• 腹膜 (fukumaku) - Peritoneum; membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
• 腹部の (fukubu no) - Abdomen; used to describe something related to the abdomen.
• 腹筋 (fukkin) - Abdominal muscles; muscles of the abdominal region.
• 腹壁 (fukuhaku) - Abdominal wall; the outer part of the abdomen.
• 腹肉 (haraniku) - Abdominal fat; refers to the fat accumulated in the abdominal region.
• 腹巻 (harawaki) - Abdominal belt; an accessory used to cover the abdominal area.
• 腹掛け (harakake) - Another type of abdominal belt, generally more covered.
• 腹巻き (harawaki) - Belt to protect the abdominal area, similar to 腹巻.
• 腹巻き布 (harawaki nuno) - Fabric for abdominal belts.
• 腹巻き帯 (harawaki obi) - Belt for abdominal straps; used to hold the strap in place.
• 腹巻帯 (harawaki obi) - Belt for abdominal bands; an alternative version of 腹巻き帯.
• 腹巻き腰布 (harawaki koshinuno) - Clothing to cover the abdominal and lumbar region.
• 腹巻き腰帯 (harawaki koshitai) - Belt that combines the abdominal band with support for the lower part.
• 腹巻き腰巻き (harawaki koshimaki) - Clothing that covers the abdomen and hip area; a combination of a girdle and a skirt.
• 腹巻き腰掛け (harawaki koshikake) - An accessory that serves as support for the lower body.
• 腹巻き腰袋 (harawaki koshidukuro) - Waist bags for storing small items.

腹

Romaji: hara
Kana: はら
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: abdomen; belly; stomach

Meaning in English: abdomen;belly;stomach

Definition: It is the central part of the body and is where food is digested.

Example Sentences - (腹) hara

See below some example sentences:

山腹には美しい紅葉が見られる。

Yamahara ni wa utsukushii momiji ga mirareru

On the hillside of the mountain

Beautiful autumn leaves can be seen on the hillside.

• 山腹 - means "mountain slope".
• に - particle that indicates location.
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 美しい - adjective that means "beautiful".
• 紅葉 - noun that means "red foliage" or "autumn leaves".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 見られる - verb that means "can be seen".

腹立ちが収まらない。

Fukadachi ga osamaranai

Anger does not decrease.

The annoyance does not fit.

• 腹立ち (haradachi) - anger, irritation
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 収まらない (osamaranai) - not to calm down, not to relax

お腹が空いた。

Onaka ga suita

I am hungry.

I am hungry.

• お腹 - o-naka (belly)
• が - ga (subject particle)
• 空いた - suita (became empty, feeling hungry)

お腹が膨れた。

Onaka ga fukureta

My stomach is full.

I am hungry.

• お腹 - It means "stomach" in Japanese.
• が - is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 膨れた - It is a verb that means "to be full" or "to be satisfied".

中腹にある寺はとても美しいです。

Chūfuku ni aru tera wa totemo utsukushii desu

The temple in the hill is very beautiful.

• 中腹にある - located on the slope
• 寺 - temple
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

腹が減っています。

Hara ga hetatte imasu

I am hungry.

• 腹 - "barriga" significa "腹" em japonês.
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 減っています - verb that means "to be hungry" or "to have an empty stomach" conjugated in the present progressive