Je dois faire caca
The English phrase "I have to poop" is translated into French as Je dois faire caca.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Je (I), dois (must/have to), faire (to do/make) and caca (poop).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Je dois faire caca is informal and uses the word caca, which is childish, similar to saying "I need to poo" or "I have to go potty" in English. In polite or adult social situations, it is more common to say Je dois aller aux toilettes (I have to go to the bathroom) rather than mentioning the act of defecation directly.
Did you know?
- The term caca comes directly from the Latin verb cacāre, which meant 'to defecate'.
- The word caca is used in French to describe not just poop, but anything that is perceived as dirty or 'yucky' by a child.
- In French, the verb faire (to do) is used for many bodily functions, such as faire pipi for urinating, treating these acts as things one 'performs'.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, mais je dois aller aux toilettes.Excuse me, but I need to go to the restroom.
- Pardonnez-moi, mais je dois me rendre aux toilettes de toute urgence.Pardon me, but I need to go to the restroom urgently.
- Excuse-moi, mais je dois aller faire caca.Excuse me, but I need to go poop.
- Je dois faire caca tout de suite.I have to poop right now.
- Maman, je dois faire caca !Mom, I have to poop!
- Attends, je dois faire caca.Wait, I have to poop.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are playing a board game at home.
- HugoManon, je dois faire caca.Manon, I have to poop.
- ManonDépêche-toi, c'est ton tour.Hurry up, it's your turn.
- HugoJe reviens très vite.I'll be back very quickly.
- ManonD'accord, ne tarde pas.Okay, don't be long.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caca, faire, je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
