Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ヘルニア | herunia |
| 脱腸 | datchō |
Both terms refer to a part of the body protruding abnormally through a tear or opening in an adjacent part. ヘルニア is a loanword used primarily in medical contexts or when discussing specific conditions such as a herniated disc. 脱腸 is a more traditional term often used specifically to refer to an inguinal hernia or a protrusion of the intestines.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 脱腸 is composed of the characters 脱, meaning "protrude" or "fall out" and 腸, meaning "intestine".
Which one should you use?
ヘルニア is a medical loanword used for various types of hernias, including spinal issues. In contrast, 脱腸 is the traditional term and is often used to refer specifically to the protrusion of the intestines or an inguinal hernia.
How do you pronounce it?
herunia
Did you know?
- In common Japanese conversation, if someone says they have a ヘルニア, they are almost always referring specifically to a herniated disc in the spine rather than an abdominal hernia.
- The character 脱 can also mean 'to take off' clothes, so the root of the word 脱腸 carries a subtle connotation of something 'undressing' or falling away from its proper position.
- Japanese has a specific distinction where ヘルニア sounds like a modern medical diagnosis, whereas 脱腸 can sound like a more visceral or traditional ailment.
Examples in context
- ヘルニアを患ってますか？Do you have a hernia?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is suffering from a ヘルニア.Tatoeba #11031522 by small_snow, translation #9853783 by NurseMeeks
- 私、ヘルニアになってるわ。I have a hernia.
- 彼はヘルニアの手術を受けなければならない。He needs to undergo hernia surgery.
- 腰のヘルニアが痛いです。Koshi no herunia ga itai desu.My lumbar hernia is painful.
- 彼はヘルニアの治療を受けています。Kare wa herunia no chiryou o ukete imasu.He is receiving treatment for a hernia.
Example conversation
A brother and sister are talking about their father's health.
- 陽太 Yotaお父さんの具合はどう？Otousan no guai wa dou?How is father's condition?
- 陽葵 Himariヘルニアがひどくなったみたい。Herunia ga hidoku natta mitai.It looks like his hernia has gotten worse.
- 陽太 Yotaそれは心配だね。Sore wa shinpai dane.That is worrying.
- 陽葵 Himari明日、病院へ連れて行くよ。Ashita, byouin e tsurete iku yo.I will take him to the hospital tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hernia” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
