Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kupa | /ˈku.pa/ | feminine |
| gówno | /ˈɡuv.nɔ/ | neuter |
| kał | /ˈkaw/ | masculine |
The terms provided are all nouns used to refer to feces. Depending on the context, you may use a word that ranges from childish and common to formal and medical.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the desired register. kupa is the most common, everyday way to say poop and is often used when speaking with children. In contrast, gówno is a vulgar term equivalent to the English word shit. For formal or medical contexts, kał is the most clinical term for feces or stool, while odchody is a formal term specifically translating to excrement or feces.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kupa is a popular and versatile, informal term. kał and odchody are formal and suitable for medical or scientific settings. gówno is a vulgar term.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb phrase robić kupę (to make a poop), the noun kupa changes to its accusative form kupę.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈku.pa/, 2 syllables, stress on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When speaking to or about small children, you might use the verb kakać (to poop) or the phrase robić kupę (to make a poop). You may also use the phrase załatwiać się as a childish way to say to defecate.
Did you know?
- The phrase załatwiać się literally means 'to take care of business' or 'to settle a matter', masking the act of defecation with a vague administrative term.
- The word kupa is also the standard Polish word for 'pile' or 'heap' of any object. This makes it a literal description of the shape rather than just a childish term.
- The word gówno shares a common linguistic ancestor with the Proto-Balto-Slavic root for 'cattle', suggesting a very ancient connection between livestock and waste.
Examples in context
- Kupę musisz zrobić przed wyjściem z domu.You have to take a poop before leaving the house.
- Ta kupa jest bardzo duża.This poop is very big.
Example conversation
Tomasz and Małgorzata are walking in the park.
- TomaszMałgorzato, uważaj, tam jest kupa.Małgorzata, watch out, there is a poop there.
- MałgorzataOjej, dziękuję, że mnie ostrzegłeś.Oh, thank you for warning me.
- TomaszCzy ta kupa należy do psa?Does this poop belong to a dog?
- MałgorzataTak, wygląda na kupę małego psa.Yes, it looks like a small dog's poop.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poop” translations and entries kupa, gówno, kał, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gówno, kał, kupa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
