j'ai envie de faire caca
The phrase "I need a poo" in French is j'ai envie de faire caca.
This phrase is a childish or informal way to express the need to use the toilet for a bowel movement.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I have the desire to do poo".
Which one should you use?
If you want to be more polite or less graphic than saying j'ai envie de faire caca, you should use je dois aller aux toilettes, which means "I have to go to the toilet".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
j'ai envie de faire caca is informal and is often used by children or in very casual settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb phrase faire caca is used to describe the act of defecating.
Did you know?
- The word caca is used in French not only for bowel movements but also as a general way to describe anything dirty or disgusting, such as a muddy puddle.
- While caca is childish, French has a very common slang term chier for the same act that is considered far more vulgar than the English 'to shit'.
- The word envie in this phrase comes from the Latin invidia, which originally meant 'envy' or 'jealousy'.
Examples in context
- J'ai envie de faire caca.I need to poop.
- Maman, j'ai envie de faire caca.Mom, I need to poo.
- Attends, j'ai envie de faire caca maintenant.Wait, I need to poo right now.
Example conversation
A mother and her young son are in the middle of a car ride.
- ChloéLucas, est-ce que ça va ?Lucas, are you okay?
- LucasNon, j'ai envie de faire caca.No, I need to poo.
- ChloéOh non, on doit s'arrêter vite.Oh no, we have to stop quickly.
- LucasDépêche-toi, maman !Hurry up, Mom!
