うんちがしたい
unchi ga shitai
The English phrase "I need to poop" is translated into Japanese as うんちがしたい (unchi ga shitai).
This phrase is used to express the physical urge to have a bowel movement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of unchi (poop), the particle ga (a subject marker) and shitai (the desire form of suru, meaning "to do").
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
うんちがしたい is an informal expression because unchi is a childish or casual term for feces. It is appropriate for children or very close friends and family, but it is not suitable for formal settings. In more polite or public situations, it is more common to use トイレに行きたいです, which means "I want to go to the toilet", to avoid mentioning the act of defecation directly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the ~tai form, which is used to express a desire to perform the action of the verb suru (to do).
How do you pronounce it?
unchi ga shitai
Did you know?
- In Japan, there is a specific word うんちくん ('Unchi-kun') used for cute, anthropomorphized poop characters in stationery and toys.
- In Japan, instead of saying 'I need to poop', people often use the euphemism お腹が痛い (my stomach hurts) to signal an urgent need for a restroom without being graphic.
- Japanese toilets often feature a 'washlet' button called おしり洗浄 ('butt wash'), which is the standard solution after saying うんちがしたい.
Examples in context
- 失礼します、トイレに行きます。Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom.
- あ、うんちがしたいかも。a, unchi ga shitai kamo.Ah, I might need to poop.
Example conversation
A young child is playing with a sibling.
- 大翔 Hirotoねえ、うんちがしたい。Nee, unchi ga shitai.Hey, I need to poop.
- 陽葵 Himariトイレに行こう。Toire ni ikou.Let's go to the bathroom.
- 大翔 Hirotoもう我慢できないよ！Mou gaman dekinai yo!I can't hold it anymore!
- 陽葵 Himari急いで走って！Isoide hashitte!Run quickly!
