WORD DETAIL
腹鼓
はらつづみ
Examples
Included kanji
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
腹鼓is read asはらつづみand denotes drumming on one’s belly or a gesture expressing satisfaction after eating one’s fill. - Basic usage: A raccoon dog drumming its belly appears in
腹鼓を打つ, and a satisfied gesture after a feast also appears as腹鼓を打つ.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The fixed combination
腹鼓を打つ- It commonly occurs with
打つ, with context distinguishing literal belly drumming from a satisfied gesture after a full meal.
- It commonly occurs with
- Difference from
舌鼓を打つ- Unlike the expression for savoring and admiring delicious food, this phrase focuses on belly drumming or the feeling of fullness.

