Translation guide
The English verb 'excrete' refers to the biological process of eliminating waste from the body. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 排出する (はいしゅつする), which covers excretion in a broad sense. More specific terms exist for particular types of excretion, such as urination, defecation, and sweating. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by the type of waste being eliminated, from general to specific, and notes formality and context.
To express the general biological process of eliminating waste products from the body, without specifying the type of waste.
This is the standard, neutral term for 'excrete' in biological and medical contexts. It can refer to any waste elimination (urine, feces, sweat, etc.).
The kidneys excrete waste products.
Toxins in the body are excreted as urine.
Also means 'excrete', but often implies the elimination of feces or urine specifically. It is slightly more formal and used in medical or biological contexts.
The patient is excreting normally.
A more literal phrase meaning 'to put outside the body'. It is less technical and can be used in everyday explanations, but is not a direct equivalent of 'excrete'.
Sweat to excrete waste products from the body.
To express the act of excreting urine.
The standard, formal/medical term for 'urinate'. Used in clinical settings or polite conversation.
I have pain when urinating.
The most common everyday expression for 'urinate', used by both children and adults in casual contexts. It is neutral and not vulgar.
I urinated in the toilet.
Literally 'do small convenience'. It is a somewhat crude or masculine term for urination. Avoid in polite conversation.
Can sound vulgar or childish; use with care.
He urinated on the side of the road.
To express the act of excreting feces.
The standard, formal/medical term for 'defecate'. Used in clinical settings or polite conversation.
Defecating every day is good for your health.
The most common everyday expression for 'defecate', used by children and adults in casual contexts. It is neutral and not vulgar.
The child defecated.
Literally 'do large convenience'. It is a somewhat crude or masculine term for defecation. Avoid in polite conversation.
Can sound vulgar or childish; use with care.
He defecated in the toilet.
To express the excretion of sweat through the skin.
To express excretion of other specific substances (e.g., carbon dioxide, sebum).
The general term '排出する' can be used for any waste product, including gases or oils, by specifying the substance.
The lungs excrete carbon dioxide.
The sebaceous glands excrete sebum.
Means 'secrete', which is sometimes used interchangeably with 'excrete' for glandular products. However, '分泌' often implies a useful substance rather than waste.
Not exactly 'excrete'; use only when the substance is not necessarily waste.
Sweat glands secrete sweat.
Both mean 'excrete', but 排出 (はいしゅつ) is broader and can refer to any discharge from the body, including gases and non-waste substances. 排泄 (はいせつ) specifically refers to the elimination of metabolic waste (urine, feces) and is more formal/medical. In everyday conversation, 排出 is more common for general excretion.
Sweat is excreted, but it is often not called 排泄.
In casual English, 'excrete' is often replaced by more specific verbs like 'pee', 'poop', or 'sweat'. Similarly, in Japanese, using the formal 排泄する in everyday talk can sound overly clinical. Use おしっこをする or うんちをする for urine/feces, and 汗をかく for sweat, unless you need a formal tone.
If you say 排泄する, you sound like a doctor.
The body excretes waste through urine and sweat.
He excreted a large amount of fluid.