Proverb / Kotowaza
腹の皮が張れば目の皮がたるむ
Eating until one is full makes them feel sleepy.
When the skin of the stomach is stretched, the skin of the eyes droops.
Quick Answer
Eating until one is full makes them feel sleepy.
- Literal Image
- When the skin of the stomach is stretched, the skin of the eyes droops.
- How to Use It
- This expression is used to describe the drowsiness or loss of focus that follows a full meal.
Meaning
When the stomach is full, the mind relaxes and drowsiness sets in. It describes the physiological state of feeling tired or losing focus after eating a satisfying meal.
Literal Image
When the skin of the stomach is stretched, the skin of the eyes droops.
How to Use It
This expression is used to describe the drowsiness or loss of focus that follows a full meal.
Tone
Humorous observation of a physical state.
Examples
昼食後はいつも眠くなる。腹の皮が張れば目の皮がたるむとはよく言ったものだ。
I always get sleepy after lunch. As the saying goes, when the belly is full, the eyelids droop.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple body part vocabulary and basic conditional grammar, though the length of the phrase might be challenging for learners.
腹
はら / hara
stomach
皮
かわ / kawa
skin/hide
張る
はる / haru
to stretch
たるむ
たるむ / tarumu
to sag/droop
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
This specifically refers to sleepiness caused by eating, not general fatigue from lack of rest or hard work.
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Origin
The proverb captures the physiological phenomenon where blood concentrates in the stomach and intestines for digestion after eating, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain and resulting sleepiness. It vividly describes this state by saying that as the 'skin of the stomach' stretches from being full, the 'skin of the eyes' (eyelids) begins to sag.
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