うんちが出そう
unchi ga desou
The English phrase "I have to poop" is translated into Japanese as うんちが出そう (unchi ga desou).
This phrase is used to express the immediate physical need to have a bowel movement.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, うんちが出そう means "poop seems to be coming out".
Which one should you use?
While うんちが出そう expresses the immediate sensation of needing to go, it is less polite than saying onaka ga itai (my stomach hurts) to imply a bathroom visit.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word うんち is a childish or informal way to say "poop", making this phrase suitable for casual settings or when speaking to children.
How do you pronounce it?
unchi ga desou
Did you know?
- Public toilets in Japan often feature a 'sound masking' button called 音姫 ('otohime' or 'sound princess') that plays running water to hide the noise of pooping.
- In very casual settings among male friends, you may hear クソ ('kuso'), which means 'poop' but is most commonly used as a versatile swear word similar to 'damn'.
- In Japanese pop culture, such as manga or anime, a character using the phrase うんちが出そう is often used as a comedic device to show they have lost their composure.
Examples in context
- あ、うんちが出そう！A, unchi ga desou!Ah, I have to poop!
- 急いで、うんちが出そうなんだ。Isoide, unchi ga desounanda.Hurry, I have to poop.
- 困ったな、うんちが出そうだよ。Komatta na, unchi ga desou da yo.This is bad, I have to poop.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are in the middle of a long car ride.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、急いで。うんちが出そうなんだ。Himari, isoide. Unchi ga desounanda.Himari, hurry. I have to poop.
- 陽葵 Himariえっ、健太、本当に大丈夫？E, Kenta, hontou ni daijoubu?What, Kenta, are you really okay?
- 健太 Kentaすごく、うんちが出そうだよ。Sugoku, unchi ga desou da yo.Really, I have to poop.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった、すぐ次のサービスエリアを探すね。Wakatta, sugu tsugi no saabisu eria o sagasu ne.Okay, I'll look for the next service area immediately.
