Translation guide
The English word 'poo' is a casual, often childish term for feces. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is うんち (unchi), used especially with children. Other expressions vary by formality and context.
poo (casual/childish)
Most common equivalent, used with children or in casual settings.
Express the concept of feces in a casual, childish, or euphemistic way, similar to 'poo'.
The standard childish word for poo. Used by children and adults when speaking to children. Also used casually among adults.
The dog did a poo.
I did a poo.
Slightly more vulgar or boyish than うんち. Often used by young boys or in a joking manner.
I want to poo.
Very childish or baby-talk word for poo. Less common than うんち.
I did a poo-poo.
Refer to feces in a neutral, medical, or formal context.
The standard neutral/medical term for feces or stool. Used in formal contexts, medical settings, and on signs.
We will test your stool.
My stool is loose.
Literally 'large excrement', the formal term for feces. Often used in medical or official contexts.
Technical or literary term for feces, often used in biology or as a suffix (e.g., 鳥の糞). Can be vulgar if used casually.
Using 糞 (ふん) casually can sound crude or insulting. Stick to うんち or 便 in most situations.
Express the action of defecating, equivalent to 'to poo' or 'to have a bowel movement'.
The most common way to say 'to poo' using the noun うんち with する. Casual and childish.
The child did a poo.
Formal/medical verb meaning 'to defecate' or 'to have a bowel movement'.
Technical term for defecation, often used for animals or in scientific contexts.
The bird defecated.
English uses 'poo' as both a noun and a verb ('I need a poo' / 'I need to poo'). In Japanese, you usually use the noun form with する (e.g., うんちをする) rather than a single verb. Saying うんちする without を is casual but acceptable in very informal speech.
I want to poo. (very casual, dropping を)
Both mean poo, but うんち is softer and more commonly used by both genders and with children. うんこ is slightly more vulgar, often associated with boys' humor or crude jokes. In polite company, avoid both and use 便 (べん) or 排便 (はいべん).
大便の回数が増えた。
The frequency of bowel movements increased.
鳥の糞が車に落ちた。
Bird droppings fell on the car.
It is important to have a bowel movement every day.