Japanese meaning of 腹八分目に医者いらず
Reading:
はらはちぶんめにいしゃいらず (hara hachibunme ni isha irazu)
English Translation:
Moderation is the key to health
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Eating in moderation keeps you healthy.
Cultural Context:
Reflects Japan’s traditional dietary customs and longevity culture.
食事を適量に抑えることで健康を維持できるという意味。
腹八分目を理想とする日本の食文化や長寿文化と関わる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 腹八分目 (hara hachibunme) = “80% full stomach” (noun phrase)
• に (ni) = particle indicating state or condition
• 医者 (isha) = “doctor” (noun)
• いらず (irazu) = classical negative form of いる (iru, “to need”), meaning “no need for”
Noun phrase + に + classical negative predicate, expressing a health-related maxim.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it’s about the health benefits of moderation, not only eating less.
Example
Basic Example
健康のため、腹八分目に医者いらずを心がけている。
For my health, I practice moderation—the key to keeping the doctor away.
Applied Example
減量中だから腹八分目に医者いらずを徹底してる。
In cutting season, I stick to moderation—the key to keeping the doctor away.