便秘
biànmì
The English phrase "constipation" is translated into Chinese as 便秘 (biànmì).
The term refers to the state of the bowels.
Meaning: state of bowels (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 便秘 is composed of 便 (biàn), meaning 'excrement' or 'stool' and 秘 (mì), meaning 'secret' or 'hidden'. Literally, it refers to the difficulty of passing stool.
Which one should you use?
While 便秘 is the standard noun, the phrase 大便不顺畅 is used to describe the sensation that bowel movements are not smooth.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone has become constipated or is currently experiencing the condition, you can add the particle 了 to the word, forming 便秘了. This indicates a change of state.
How do you pronounce it?
biànmì
Did you know?
- The character 便 is also used in the word for 'convenience' (方便). This is because the ability to 'relieve oneself' easily was historically seen as a primary form of convenience.
- In Chinese culture, talking openly about 便秘 in social settings is often avoided. People may instead say they have a 'fire' (上火) in their body to imply the digestive imbalance causing it.
- Because 便秘 is seen as a sign of 'internal heat', many Chinese speakers treat it by eating 'cooling' foods like mung beans or chrysanthemum tea rather than just using laxatives.
Examples in context
- 我最近有点便秘，需要吃点纤维丰富的食物。I have been a little constipated recently and need to eat some fiber-rich food.
- 大便不顺畅可能与饮食习惯有关。Bowel movements not being smooth may be related to dietary habits.
- 你有没有什么办法能解决便秘问题？Do you have any solutions for constipation?
- 他最近有点便秘。Tā zuìjìn yǒudiǎn biànmì.He has been a bit constipated lately.
- 多吃蔬菜可以缓解便秘。Duō chī shūcài kěyǐ huǎnjiě biànmì.Eating more vegetables can relieve constipation.
- 这种药可以治疗便秘。Zhè zhǒng yào kěyǐ zhìliáo biànmì.This medicine can treat constipation.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing health at a cafe.
- 梓涵 Zihan你看起来很不舒服。Nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn bù shūfu.You look very uncomfortable.
- 浩然 Haoran我因为便秘觉得很难受。Wǒ yīnwèi biànmì juéde hěn nánshòu.I feel terrible because of constipation.
- 梓涵 Zihan你要多喝水。Nǐ yào duō hē shuǐ.You should drink more water.
- 浩然 Haoran谢谢你的建议。Xièxiè nǐ de jiànyì.Thanks for your advice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “constipation” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
