Translation guide
The English word 'feces' refers to solid bodily waste. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 便 (ben), used in medical and everyday contexts. More casual or childish words like うんち (unchi) are common in daily speech, while formal or technical terms like 大便 (daiben) and 糞便 (funben) appear in specific settings. This guide covers the main Japanese expressions for feces, organized by register and usage.
To refer to feces in a neutral, clinical, or everyday context without being overly formal or vulgar.
The standard, neutral term for feces. Used in medical contexts, on packaging (e.g., diapers), and in everyday conversation when a polite but direct word is needed.
便の色がいつもと違う。
The color of my stool is different from usual.
Please do a stool test.
Literally 'large excrement', this is a formal/medical term. Often used in contrast with 小便 (urine). Common in medical forms and formal speech.
The frequency of bowel movements has increased.
A technical/medical term, often used in laboratory or clinical contexts. Not used in everyday conversation.
The stool test result was negative.
To refer to feces in a casual, friendly, or childish way, such as when talking to children or in informal settings.
The most common casual/childish word for feces. Used by and with children, and among adults in very informal contexts. Considered cute and non-vulgar.
The dog pooped.
The child said, 'I pooped.'
Similar to うんち but slightly more vulgar or direct. Often used by boys or in rough casual speech. Can be humorous.
A vulgar word for feces, equivalent to 'shit' in English. Used as an expletive or in rough speech. Avoid in polite company.
This word is vulgar and can be offensive. Do not use in formal or polite contexts.
To refer to feces in a polite, euphemistic, or indirect way, often in public or formal situations.
A polite euphemism for bowel movement. Literally 'passage'. Commonly used in medical consultations or when discussing constipation.
I haven't had a bowel movement recently.
A formal term meaning 'excrement' or 'waste matter'. Used in medical, scientific, or caregiving contexts.
To specifically refer to the feces of animals.
The general term for animal droppings. Often combined with the animal's name, e.g., 鳥の糞 (bird droppings), 犬の糞 (dog feces).
There was dog feces in the park.
The car got dirty from pigeon droppings.
A compound meaning 'feces and urine', often used in agricultural or waste management contexts.
These three words form a spectrum of politeness/vulgarity. うんち is the most neutral and child-friendly. うんこ is more direct and slightly vulgar, often used by boys or in jokes. くそ is a strong vulgarity equivalent to 'shit' and should be avoided in polite conversation.
While 糞便 (funben) is a direct translation, it sounds overly clinical in daily conversation. Use 便 (ben) or うんち (unchi) depending on the context.
I'm about to crap my pants.
くそ！また負けた。
Shit! I lost again.
Please be careful when handling excrement.
家畜の糞尿を肥料として使う。
Use livestock manure as fertilizer.