Translation guide
The English word "stool" has two main meanings: a backless seat and a piece of feces. The seat meaning is straightforward, while the feces meaning is primarily medical or formal. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese word for each context.
A simple seat without a back or arms, often used at bars, counters, or in kitchens.
The most direct loanword for a backless stool, commonly used in modern contexts like bars, cafes, and homes.
I put a stool in the kitchen.
Literally 'round chair', this refers to a simple, often backless stool, typically with a round seat. Common in traditional or casual settings.
A generic term for a seat or stool, often implying something simple to sit on. Can be used for benches or stools, but less specific than スツール.
A piece of solid waste from the bowels, used in medical or formal contexts.
The standard medical/formal term for stool or feces. Used in clinical settings and polite conversation about health.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'stool' to 便 or 大便 can sound overly clinical. Use うんち with children or close friends, or rephrase the sentence to avoid the word entirely (e.g., 'お腹の調子が悪い' for 'I have loose stools').
居酒屋のカウンターに丸椅子が並んでいる。
Round stools are lined up at the izakaya counter.
庭に木の腰掛けを作った。
I made a wooden stool in the garden.
I'm concerned about the color of my stool.
Please do a stool test.
Literally 'large excrement', this is a more direct term for feces, often used in medical or descriptive contexts. Slightly more blunt than 便.
The frequency of stools has increased.
A childish or informal word for poop. Not appropriate in formal or medical settings, but common in everyday talk with children.
The child said, 'I did a poop.'