Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| biegunka | /bjɛˈɡun.ka/ | feminine |
| sraczka | /ˈsrat͡ʂ.ka/ | feminine, vulgar |
| rozwolnienie | /rɔz.vɔlˈɲɛ.ɲɛ/ | neuter |
The term refers to the medical condition of diarrhea. While biegunka is the standard term, speakers may use different expressions depending on the context. For example, rozwolnienie describes the loose consistency of the stool, while the informal phrase bieganie po toalecie (literally 'run to the toilet') or kłopoty żołądkowe ('stomach troubles') can be used to describe the situation more indirectly.
Which one should you use?
Biegunka is the direct translation of the medical condition. In contrast, rozwolnienie focuses more specifically on the looseness of the stool.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Biegunka is the most common and widely used term in formal Polish. For a very formal or polite alternative, you might use rozstrój żołądka (stomach upset). In informal settings, people use kłopoty żołądkowe (stomach troubles) or the phrase bieganie po toalecie (running to the toilet). Avoid using sraczka, as it is a vulgar slang term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Biegunka is a feminine noun. Sraczka is also a feminine noun, while rozwolnienie is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word biegunka is pronounced /bjɛˈɡun.ka/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word biegunka is derived from biegun, meaning 'runner'. This mirrors the English colloquial expression 'the runs'.
- Using kłopoty żołądkowe is a common way to signal illness to a boss or teacher without mentioning the specific symptoms.
Examples in context
- „Francuszczyzna płynie jak rzeka.” „Albo jak sraczka.”"The French language flows." "Yes, like diarrhea flows."This sentence shows how the vulgar term sraczka can be used in a joking or crude comparison.Tatoeba #1002901 by zipangu, translation #961551 by Zifre
- Silna biegunka jest bardzo męcząca.Severe diarrhea is very tiring.
- Czy biegunka może być objawem zatrucia?Can diarrhea be a symptom of poisoning?
Example conversation
A man is explaining his symptoms to his wife at home.
- PawełMałgorzato, bardzo źle się czuję.Małgorzata, I feel very unwell.
- MałgorzataCo ci dolega, Pawle?What is bothering you, Paweł?
- PawełDopadła mnie nagła biegunka.I was hit by sudden diarrhea.
- MałgorzataMusisz natychmiast wziąć jakieś lekarstwo.You must take some medicine immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diarrhea” translations and entries biegunka, sraczka, rozwolnienie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries biegunka, rozwolnienie, sraczka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
