อึ
ʉ̀/ʔɯʔ˨˩/
The English word 'poop' is translated into Thai as อึ (ʉ̀).
The term refers to feces. In polite or semi-formal conversation, speakers often use the verb ถ่าย (to defecate) to avoid naming the substance directly.
Meaning: feces (noun)
Which one should you use?
While อึ is a common way to say poop, there are different levels of intensity. ขี้ is a more vulgar and blunt term, similar to 'shit' in English. On the other hand, อุจจาระ is the formal, medical or technical term for feces.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
อึ is a colloquial term. For a more formal or medical context, use อุจจาระ. In very informal or vulgar situations, one might use ขี้, though it is much more blunt. To remain polite, it is common to use the verb ถ่าย instead of using a noun for the feces itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe being constipated, the phrase ถ่ายไม่ออก is used, which literally means 'cannot discharge'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ʉ̀. The IPA is /ʔɯʔ˨˩/.
Did you know?
- The vulgar term ขี้ is used in many common Thai idioms to describe someone's personality, such as ขี้เกียจ for 'lazy' or ขี้อาย for 'shy'.
- The formal term อุจจาระ is derived from Pali and Sanskrit, which is common for Thai medical and religious vocabulary to signal high prestige.
- The colloquial term อึ is actually an onomatopoeia, mimicking the strained sounds a person makes when trying to pass stool.
Examples in context
- แมวทิ้งอึไว้บนพรมmaeo thing ue bon phromThe cat left poop on the rug.
- มีอึอยู่บนพื้นถนนmi ue yu bon phuen thanonThere is poop on the street.
- ระวังอึหมานะrawang ue ma naWatch out for dog poop.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry อึ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries อึ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
