二番
niban
The Japanese phrase for "number two" is 二番 (niban).
二番 is used as a euphemism for feces or defecation.
Meaning: feces or defecation euphemism (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
niban
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'number two' as a common euphemism for defecation, a Japanese person would rarely use 二番 (niban) for this purpose. Instead, they often use the word うんち (unchi) or more polite terms like 大便 (daiben).
- The concept of 'number one' and 'number two' is mirrored in Japanese as 一番 (ichiban) and 二番 (niban), but 一番 is used far more frequently in daily life to mean 'the best' or 'first place'.
- The character 二 (ni) is part of the basic counting system, but in certain contexts, such as baseball, 二番 refers to the 'number two batter' in the lineup.
Examples in context
- 私はリンゴを 二 個買いました。I bought two apples.
- この領収書は 弐 百円です。This receipt is for two hundred yen.
- このケーキを ふたつ ください。Please give me two of these cakes.
Example conversation
A parent and child are getting ready to leave the house.
- 結衣 Yui蓮、そろそろ行くよ！Ren, sorosoro iku yo!Ren, it is time to go!
- 蓮 Ren待って、今二番をしているところ。Matte, ima niban o shite iru tokoro.Wait, I'm doing number two right now.
- 結衣 Yui急いでね。遅れるよ。Isoide ne. Okureru yo.Hurry up. We'll be late.
- 蓮 Renわかった。すぐ終わらせるね。Wakatta. Sugu owaraseru ne.I got it. I'll finish quickly.
