Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| поно́с | ponós | masculine |
| диаре́я | diaréja | feminine |
| сра́чка | sráčka | feminine, vulgar |
The terms are used to describe the medical condition of diarrhea, though they vary significantly in tone and professional context.
Which one should you use?
поно́с is the most common, everyday way to refer to the condition in a neutral or slightly informal context. диаре́я is the formal medical term used by doctors or in clinical settings. сра́чка is a vulgar slang term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
диаре́я and the phrase Расстройство желудка (stomach disorder) are formal. Medical professionals specifically use the term Жидкий стул (liquid stool). поно́с is neutral. сра́чка is vulgar and should be avoided in polite company.
How does it change in a sentence?
поно́с is a masculine noun and requires masculine adjectives and verbs. диаре́я is a feminine noun and requires feminine adjectives and verbs.
How do you pronounce it?
ponós
Did you know?
- The formal medical phrase жидкий стул literally translates to 'liquid chair'. In this context, стул is a medical euphemism for 'stool' rather than a piece of furniture.
- In Russian, the word сра́чка is used metaphorically to describe a petty, noisy, and aggressive argument or a 'shouting match' between people.
- The common term поно́с is rooted in the verb нести, meaning 'to carry' or 'to run'. It literally evokes the idea of something 'running' or 'flowing' away quickly.
Examples in context
- Сегодня я чувствую дискомфорт из-за диареи.Today, I feel discomfort due to diarrhea.
Example conversation
Alexander tells Anastasia why he cannot go for a walk.
- Александр AleksandrАнастасия, я не смогу пойти гулять.Anastasiya, ya ne smogu poyti gulyat'.Anastasia, I won't be able to go for a walk.
- Анастасия AnastasiaЧто случилось, Александр?Chto sluchilos', Aleksandr?What happened, Alexander?
- Александр AleksandrУ меня ужасный поно́с с утра.U menya uzhasnyy ponos s utra.I've had terrible diarrhea since this morning.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТебе нужно вызвать врача.Tebe nuzhno vyzvat' vracha.You need to call a doctor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diarrhea” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
