PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🕳️⭕

How to Say ‘Around my belly button.’ in Japanese

おへそのあたりです。

o he sono atari desu

[oh heh soh-noh ah-tah-ree dess]

💬 Usage Tip: Polite, complete location answer. You can also add [が] if continuing: [おへそのあたりがいたいです].

🇯🇵 In Japan: Giving location + timing + other symptoms is the “gold combo” for getting the right OTC advice in Japan.

Phrase Breakdown

おへそ

o he sono

belly button; navel

Common word for “belly button.” Often used to specify pain location.

Example

おへそのしたがいたいです。

It hurts below my belly button.

Words in this phrase

o

[oh]

polite prefix (honorific)

「お」 adds politeness to 「へそ」, which is common when explaining symptoms politely.

Example

痛いのはおへそのあたりです。

The painful area is around my belly button.

he

[heh]

(part of word) he (in おへそ)

This 「へ」 is the second mora in 「おへそ」. On its own it usually means “to/toward,” but here it’s just part of the word.

Example

おへそのあたりです。

It’s around my belly button.

その

sono

[soh-noh]

that; the (as in “that …”) / (part of phrase)

In 「おへその」, this 「その」 appears because the word is segmented; functionally the phrase means “of the belly button.”

Example

おへそのあたりです。

It’s around my belly button.

あたり

atari

[ah-tah-ree]

area; around

Used to indicate an approximate location of pain: 「〜のあたり」 = “around ~.”

Example

おへそのあたりです。

It’s around my belly button.

です

desu

[dess]

is; it is (polite)

「です」 is a polite sentence ending. Helpful at pharmacies/clinics to speak politely and clearly.

Example

おへそのあたりです。

It’s around my belly button.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.

Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer

I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager