Cool MateStomach vs Tummy
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Stomach
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Tummy
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: StomachMost common: Stomach
| Stomach | Tummy | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈstʌmək/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈstʌmək/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈtʌmi//🇺🇸 //ˈtʌmi// |
| Meaning | The part of the body where food goes after you eat. | Another word for stomach, often used by children. |
| Example | I felt a sharp pain in my stomach after eating too much. | My tummy hurts after eating too much candy. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | empty, full, dodgy, turn, settle, settle in, churn, heave, lurch, ache, ailment, bug, in the/your stomach, the contents of your stomach, feel sick to your stomach, something makes you sick to your stomach | tummy ache, tummy time, tummy rub, big tummy, tummy tuck |
| Antonyms | appetite, desire | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'tummy' - 'tummy' is more informal., Using 'stomach' when referring to the digestive system as a whole., Mispronouncing it as 'stomack'. | Using 'tummy' in formal writing., Confusing 'tummy ache' with other types of pain., Saying 'my tummy is hurting' instead of 'my stomach hurts.' |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate in medical discussions, casual conversation, and cooking. Less appropriate in very technical or scientific language where more specific terms are used. | Typically used in informal settings, especially with children. Might not be appropriate in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Stomach vs Tummy
What's the difference between Stomach and Tummy?
Stomach: The part of the body where food goes after you eat. Tummy: Another word for stomach, often used by children.
Which is more formal: Stomach and Tummy?
Stomach is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Stomach and Tummy?
Stomach is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Stomach: I felt a sharp pain in my stomach after eating too much. Tummy: My tummy hurts after eating too much candy.
Can I use Stomach and Tummy interchangeably?
Not always. Stomach and Tummy are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.