Translation guide
The English word 'shit' has multiple meanings ranging from vulgar slang for feces to casual expressions of frustration, surprise, or emphasis. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use, with strong warnings about register and politeness.
The literal meaning: solid waste from the body, used in a crude or vulgar way.
The most direct vulgar equivalent. Extremely crude; not used in polite conversation.
犬のクソを踏んだ。
I stepped in dog shit.
More technical or literary term for feces, often used in compounds. Less vulgar than クソ but still direct.
Childish or informal word for poop. Not as vulgar as 'shit', more like 'poop'.
Formal/medical term for feces. Not vulgar, used in clinical contexts.
Used as an interjection to express strong negative emotions like anger, annoyance, or shock.
Direct equivalent of 'shit!' as an exclamation. Very vulgar and masculine-sounding.
Describing something as bad, useless, or of low quality.
Used as a prefix or standalone to mean 'shitty' or 'crappy'. Extremely vulgar.
Calling out bullshit, lies, or meaningless talk.
Casually referring to objects, belongings, or abstract things, similar to 'stuff' or 'shit'.
Informal word for 'thing' or 'stuff'. Can be rude if referring to people.
The act of shitting.
Literally 'to do a shit'. Vulgar.
犬が道でクソをした。
The dog shit on the street.
Expressions like 'to give someone shit' meaning to hassle or mistreat.
Phrases like 'to scare the shit out of someone'.
The word クソ is extremely vulgar and should be avoided in any polite or formal context. It is much stronger than many English speakers realize. Using it can be highly offensive, especially to strangers or superiors. In many situations, milder alternatives like しまった or ひどい are safer choices.
クソ！
Shit!
クソ is vulgar 'shit', うんこ is childish 'poop', and 大便 is formal 'feces/stool'. Choose based on context: クソ for crude slang among friends, うんこ for talking to children or informal light conversation, 大便 for medical or formal situations.
やつ is a very handy casual word for 'thing' or 'stuff', but be careful: when used to refer to a person, it can sound derogatory. For people, use 人 (ひと) or 方 (かた) instead.
これ、めっちゃいい！
This is good shit! (slang for something excellent)
Uses めっちゃ (very) for emphasis. No direct vulgar equivalent.
Bird shit fell on the car.
The kid had a shit accident.
大便の検査をします。
We'll do a stool test.
クソ！また負けた。
Shit! I lost again.
Literally 'damn it' or 'beast', a common exclamation of frustration. Less vulgar than クソ, but still strong.
ちくしょう！財布を忘れた。
Shit! I forgot my wallet.
Means 'I messed up' or 'oh no'. A mild exclamation of regret, not vulgar.
しまった！電車に乗り遅れた。
Shit! I missed the train.
Slang for 'oh crap' or 'oh no', can express both positive and negative surprise. Very common among young people.
やばい！テスト勉強してない。
Shit! I haven't studied for the test.
This shitty game is boring.
Means 'the worst' or 'terrible'. Not vulgar, but strong.
あの映画は最低だった。
That movie was shit.
Means 'terrible' or 'awful'. Common and not vulgar.
ひどい天気だね。
Shitty weather, huh.
Means 'nonsense' or 'bullshit'. Common and not particularly vulgar.
それはでたらめだ。
That's bullshit.
Literally 'lie'. Can be used to call out something as untrue, like 'bullshit'.
うそつけ！
Bullshit! (You liar!)
Means 'nonsense' or 'worthless talk'. Mild and common.
そんな話はくだらない。
That's a load of shit.
Can be used as 'bullshit' in very vulgar contexts, often as クソくらえ (eat shit).
クソくらえ！
Eat shit! / Fuck you!
そのやつを取って。
Pass me that shit.
Neutral word for 'thing' or 'stuff'. Not vulgar.
こんなものいらない。
I don't need this shit.
Used for abstract things or matters. 'That shit' as in 'that stuff (situation/event)'.
そんなこと気にするな。
Don't worry about that shit.
Childish/informal 'to poop'. Not as vulgar.
トイレでうんこをする。
I'm gonna take a shit. (informal, not vulgar)
Means 'to bully' or 'to pick on'. Covers 'giving someone shit' in the sense of harassment.
上司にいじめられた。
My boss gave me shit.
Means 'to complain' or 'to give someone a hard time verbally'.
彼はいつも私に文句を言う。
He's always giving me shit.
Idiom meaning 'to be paralyzed with fear', similar to 'scared shitless'.
その音に腰を抜かした。
That sound scared the shit out of me.
Slang for 'to be freaked out' or 'scared shitless'.
お化け屋敷でびびった。
I was scared shitless in the haunted house.
I have to take a shit.
Casual, not as vulgar as English. クソしたい is also possible but cruder.