Translation guide
The English word "excrement" is a formal, clinical term for bodily waste. In Japanese, the most common and neutral word is うんち, used in everyday speech and with children. More formal or technical terms exist, as well as vulgar slang. The choice depends heavily on context, politeness, and the speaker's relationship to the listener.
To refer to excrement in a casual, non-offensive way, suitable for daily conversation, with children, or in informal writing.
The most common and neutral word for excrement. Used by both children and adults. It is not considered vulgar, but is informal.
The dog pooped.
Slightly more childish or playful than うんち. Often used in children's books or when speaking to very young children. Can be considered a bit cruder by some adults.
To refer to excrement in a formal, clinical, or polite context, such as in a doctor's office, scientific writing, or when speaking respectfully.
To express strong emotion, insult, or refer to excrement in a very informal, often offensive way.
The most common vulgar word for excrement, equivalent to 'shit' in English. Used as an expletive, insult, or in rough speech. Avoid in polite company.
Very rude. Do not use in formal or polite situations.
To specifically refer to the excrement of animals, often with a neutral or slightly technical tone.
The most common word for animal droppings. Can be used for wild or domestic animals. Often combined with the animal's name, e.g., 鳥の糞 (bird droppings).
To refer to excrement in a polite, indirect, or euphemistic way, often in public or when avoiding direct terms.
A common euphemism for a bowel movement, literally 'the big one'. Often used in contrast with 小さい方 (urination). Polite and indirect.
うんち is the standard, neutral word for poop, used by all ages. うんこ is more childish or playful, often used with small children or in jokes. くそ is vulgar and equivalent to 'shit'; it is used as an expletive or in very rough speech. Avoid くそ in polite or formal settings.
Child: Mommy, poop!
The child said, "Poop!"
I stepped in poop.
The standard formal term for feces. Used in medical settings, health discussions, and polite conversation. Often paired with 小便 (urine).
We will test your stool.
Feces are a barometer of health.
A shorter, more technical term often used in compounds or medical jargon. Can mean stool or bowel movement.
I'm concerned about the color of my stool.
Please submit a stool sample.
A very formal, scientific term for feces, often used in biology or agriculture. Not used in everyday conversation.
Examine bacteria in fecal matter.
A blunt, somewhat crude word for animal droppings or excrement. Often used in compounds like 鳥のふん (bird droppings). Less vulgar than くそ but still direct.
Bird poop fell on the car.
公園に犬の糞が落ちていた。
There was dog poop in the park.
Katakana version of 糞, often used in informal writing or children's contexts for animal poop. Slightly cuter or less serious.
Rabbit droppings are round.
I'm going to go do the big one (use the toilet for a bowel movement).
While literally 'toilet', it is often used euphemistically to refer to the act of defecation, especially in phrases like トイレに行く (go to the toilet).
I need to go to the bathroom (to defecate).
Friend: I stepped in poop, gross.
Angry person: Shit!
The English word 'excrement' is very formal. In most everyday situations, using a direct translation like 大便 or 糞便 would sound overly clinical or strange. Instead, use うんち for casual contexts, or euphemisms like 大きい方 for polite speech. Reserve formal terms for medical or scientific discussions.
When talking about animal poop, 糞 (ふん) is the standard. You can also use うんち for pets in casual speech, but 糞 is more precise. For wild animals, 糞 is preferred. Avoid using くそ for animals unless you want to sound crude.
Please provide a stool sample for the test.
Formal, medical context.