別腹
Meaning: The concept of having a 'separate stomach' for dessert — always having room for sweets even when full.
A widely loved expression in Japanese food culture asserting that desserts go to a different stomach. Used as a cheerful justification for ordering dessert after a big meal. The idea resonates so strongly in Japan that it's often stated as matter-of-fact rather than as a joke, reflecting the deep cultural appreciation for sweets.
Examples
- お腹いっぱいだけどデザートは別腹だよね。 虽然肚子已经饱了,但甜品是甜品胃嘛。Estoy lleno, pero el postre va al estómago aparte, ¿verdad?배는 부르지만 디저트는 별도의 배잖아.
- 別腹って言いながらケーキ3つも食べたの? 一边说着甜品胃一边吃了3块蛋糕?¿Dices que es estómago aparte y te has comido tres tartas?별도의 배라면서 케이크를 3개나 먹었어?
- 甘いものは別腹だから、パフェも頼んじゃおう。 甜的东西是甜品胃的,再点个芭菲吧。Los dulces van al estómago aparte, así que pidamos también un parfait.단것은 별도의 배니까, 파르페도 시키자.
Pronunciation
/be.t͡su.ba.ɾa/
Usage Guide
Context: restaurants, friends, family meals
Tone: cheerful, justifying
✓ Do Say
- もうお腹いっぱい…でも別腹! (I'm so full... but separate stomach!)已经吃得好饱了……但是甜品胃!Estoy lleno a reventar... ¡pero el postre va aparte!이미 배부른데… 그래도 별도의 배! (배 터질 것 같은데… 그래도 별도의 배야!)
- スイーツは別腹だからまだいけるよ。 (Sweets go to a separate stomach so I can still eat more.)甜的东西是甜品胃的,还能吃。Los dulces van al estómago aparte, así que todavía puedo comer más.디저트는 별도의 배니까 아직 먹을 수 있어. (단것은 따로 배가 있으니까 아직 괜찮아.)
✗ Don't Say
- フォーマルなビジネスディナーで連呼するのは品がない (Repeating it at a formal business dinner comes across as unsophisticated)在正式的商务晚宴上一直说这个会显得不够体面Repetirlo constantemente en una cena formal de negocios resulta poco elegante.격식 있는 비즈니스 만찬에서 반복해서 말하면 품격이 떨어진다 (격식 있는 비즈니스 디너에서 계속 말하면 세련되지 못한 인상을 준다)
Common Mistakes
- Thinking 別腹 only applies to cake or ice cream — it can be used for any sweet food or dessert
Origin & History
A traditional Japanese saying that predates modern slang, rooted in the cultural belief that the stomach always has space for something sweet. Has been used colloquially for generations.
Cultural Context
Era: Traditional expression, used for generations
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. One of the most universally understood food-related expressions.
More From This Topic
More from Food & Drink
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free