Japanese word

便秘

Pronunciation

Romajibenpi

Meaning

  • nounconstipation

Example

食物繊維は便秘に効果があります。shoku motsu sen i wa ben pi ni kō ka ga a ri ma su

Fiber helps with constipation.

Illustration for 便秘 (constipation)

More examples

最近、便秘が続いていて、おなかが重いです。sai kin ben pi ga tsuzu i te i te o na ka ga omo i de su

I have been constipated lately, and my stomach feels heavy.

Core concept

Describes a condition in which stool passes slowly or with difficulty, often causing infrequent bowel movements.

Common phrases

  • 便秘になるben pi ni na ru

    become constipated

  • 便秘を解消するben pi o kai shō su ru

    relieve constipation

  • 便秘が続くben pi ga tsuzu ku

    constipation continues

Definition in Japanese

排便が滞り、便が出にくくなる状態。hai ben ga todokō ri bin ga de ni ku ku na ru jō tai

Word origin

The word 便秘 (benpi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 便 (ben, "stool") and 秘 (hi, "to block or keep hidden"), expressing the idea of stool being blocked.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 便秘 (benpi) is treated as a noun, so 便秘になる (benpi ni naru) means "become constipated" rather than using 便秘 as a standalone verb.

Opposites

Word lists with this word