Learning how to say “poop” in Korean might seem like a trivial pursuit, but mastering everyday vocabulary, even the less glamorous kind, is crucial for genuine communication and cultural understanding. This article provides a comprehensive guide to various Korean words for “poop,” ranging from polite to informal, and explains their usage in different contexts.
Understanding these terms will allow you to navigate conversations with children, discuss health issues, or simply understand casual banter with native speakers. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide offers valuable insights into the nuances of Korean vocabulary and its cultural implications.
This article is designed for anyone learning Korean, from beginner students to advanced speakers looking to refine their vocabulary and cultural understanding. Parents learning Korean to communicate with their children, travelers needing to discuss bathroom-related topics, and language enthusiasts curious about the intricacies of Korean slang will all find this guide beneficial.
By the end of this article, you will have a confident grasp of how to say “poop” in Korean and when to use each term appropriately.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Poop” in Korean
- Structural Breakdown of Korean Words for Poop
- Types and Categories of Korean Words for Poop
- Examples of “Poop” in Korean
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Poop” in Korean
The word “poop” in English refers to solid waste excreted from the body. In Korean, there isn’t a single, direct translation that encompasses all contexts.
Instead, various words are used depending on the level of formality, the speaker’s relationship with the listener, and the specific situation. Understanding these nuances is vital for effective communication.
These Korean words can be classified based on their level of formality and appropriateness: formal, standard, informal, childish, and slang. The choice of word depends heavily on the context and the relationship between the speakers.
For instance, using a childish term in a formal setting would be inappropriate, while using a formal term when speaking to a child might sound overly stiff and unnatural. Each type of word carries its own connotation and is used under specific circumstances.
Structural Breakdown of Korean Words for Poop
Korean words for “poop” can be broken down into their root words and grammatical suffixes to understand their meaning and usage better. Many of these words are derived from Sino-Korean vocabulary (words borrowed from Chinese) or native Korean words, each with its own unique structure and etymology.
Understanding these components can aid in memorization and proper usage.
For example, the formal term “대변” (dae-byeon) consists of two Sino-Korean characters: “대” (dae), meaning “big” or “large,” and “변” (byeon), meaning “feces” or “excrement.” Combining these characters creates a more formal and clinical term for “poop.” Similarly, informal terms often use native Korean words combined with suffixes that indicate familiarity or endearment. The structural analysis of these words provides insights into their historical origins and nuanced meanings.
Types and Categories of Korean Words for Poop
Korean offers a range of vocabulary to describe bodily functions, and the word you choose greatly depends on the context. Here’s a breakdown of the different categories:
Formal Terms
Formal terms are used in medical or professional settings. These terms are polite and respectful, suitable for discussions with doctors or in academic papers.
Using these terms demonstrates a level of seriousness and formality.
The most common formal term is 대변 (dae-byeon). This term is derived from Sino-Korean and is used in hospitals, clinics, and formal conversations about health.
Standard Terms
Standard terms are appropriate for everyday conversations with people you are not particularly close to, or in situations where you want to maintain a level of politeness. They are widely understood and generally acceptable in most contexts.
A common standard term is 똥 (ddong). While it can be considered slightly informal, it is widely used in general conversations and is easily understood by most Koreans. It’s a safe choice when you’re unsure of which term to use.
Informal Terms
Informal terms are used among close friends, family members, or people you are comfortable with. These terms are more casual and relaxed, reflecting a closer relationship.
Examples of informal terms include 끙 (kkeung) which is an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound of someone straining during defecation, and 응가 (eung-ga), which is a cute and slightly childish way to refer to poop, but acceptable among close friends.
Childish Terms
Childish terms are used when talking to or about young children. These terms are often cute and endearing, designed to make the topic less embarrassing for children.
Common childish terms include 뿌웅 (ppu-ung), which imitates the sound of flatulence often associated with pooping, and 아가 똥 (aga ddong), meaning “baby poop.” These terms are typically used by parents, caregivers, or older siblings when interacting with young children.
Slang Terms
Slang terms are highly informal and should be used with caution. These terms are often used among close friends and may be considered offensive or inappropriate in other contexts.
Understanding slang terms can help you understand casual conversations, but it’s important to use them judiciously.
An example of a slang term could be geu-reot (그릇), which literally means “bowl” or “container,” but in certain slang contexts could refer to the toilet or the act of defecation. Slang terms often have double meanings or metaphorical implications that require cultural context to understand fully.
Examples of “Poop” in Korean
Understanding the context in which to use each term is crucial. Here are some examples categorized by formality level:
Formal Examples
These examples are suited for clinical or professional settings. The following table illustrates how to use “대변” (dae-byeon) in formal sentences:
| Korean Sentence | Romanization | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 의사 선생님, 대변 색깔이 이상해요. | Uisa seonsaengnim, dae-byeon saekkkari isanghaeyo. | Doctor, the color of my stool is strange. |
| 환자분의 대변 검사를 실시하겠습니다. | Hwanjja-bunui dae-byeon geomsa-reul silsi-hagetsseumnida. | We will conduct a stool test for the patient. |
| 간호사님, 대변을 봤는데 피가 섞여 있어요. | Ganhosa-nim, dae-byeoneul bwatneunde piga seokkyeo isseoyo. | Nurse, I had a bowel movement and there’s blood in it. |
| 최근 대변 습관에 변화가 있으셨습니까? | Choegeun dae-byeon seupgwane byeonhwaga isseusyeotseumnikka? | Have you had any changes in your bowel habits recently? |
| 대변에 잠혈 반응이 나타났습니다. | Dae-byeone jamhyeol baneungi natanatseumnida. | There was a positive result for occult blood in the stool. |
| 매일 대변을 보는 것이 중요합니다. | Maeil dae-byeoneul boneun geosi jungyohamnida. | It is important to have a bowel movement every day. |
| 대변을 규칙적으로 보는 것이 건강에 좋습니다. | Dae-byeoneul gyuchikjjeogeuro boneun geosi geongange jo-seumnida. | Having regular bowel movements is good for your health. |
| 대변 검사 결과는 다음 주에 나올 겁니다. | Dae-byeon geomsa gyeolgwaneun daeum jue naol geomnida. | The stool test results will be available next week. |
| 대변을 볼 때 통증이 있습니까? | Dae-byeoneul bol ttae tongjeungi isseumnikka? | Do you have pain when you have a bowel movement? |
| 대변의 상태를 자세히 설명해 주십시오. | Dae-byeonui sangtaereul jasehi seolmyeonghae jusipsio. | Please describe the condition of your stool in detail. |
| 대변을 보고 나서도 시원하지 않아요. | Dae-byeoneul bogo naseodo siwonhaji anayo. | I don’t feel relieved even after having a bowel movement. |
| 대변의 색깔이 검은색에 가깝습니다. | Dae-byeonui saekkkari geomeunsaege gakka-pseumnida. | The color of my stool is close to black. |
| 대변에 기름기가 많이 섞여 있습니다. | Dae-byeone gireumgiga mani seokkyeo isseumnida. | There is a lot of oil mixed in my stool. |
| 최근에 대변을 보기가 어려워졌습니다. | Choegeune dae-byeoneul bogiga eoryeowojyeotseumnida. | It has become difficult to have a bowel movement recently. |
| 대변을 볼 때 출혈이 있습니다. | Dae-byeoneul bol ttae chulhyeori isseumnida. | There is bleeding when I have a bowel movement. |
| 대변의 굵기가 예전보다 가늘어졌습니다. | Dae-byeonui gulgiga yejeonboda ganeureojyeotseumnida. | The thickness of my stool has become thinner than before. |
| 대변을 보는 횟수가 줄었습니다. | Dae-byeoneul boneun hoessuga jureotseumnida. | The frequency of my bowel movements has decreased. |
| 대변을 볼 때 힘을 많이 줘야 합니다. | Dae-byeoneul bol ttae himeul mani jwoya hamnida. | I have to strain a lot when I have a bowel movement. |
| 대변을 보고 나서 복통이 있습니다. | Dae-byeoneul bogo naseo boktongi isseumnida. | I have abdominal pain after having a bowel movement. |
| 대변의 냄새가 평소보다 심합니다. | Dae-byeonui naemsaega pyeongsoboda simhamnida. | The smell of my stool is worse than usual. |
| 대변을 볼 때 점액이 섞여 나옵니다. | Dae-byeoneul bol ttae jeomyeogi seokkyeo naomnida. | There is mucus mixed in when I have a bowel movement. |
| 대변을 보고 나서 가려움증이 있습니다. | Dae-byeoneul bogo naseo garyeoumjeungi isseumnida. | I have itching after having a bowel movement. |
| 대변의 모양이 정상적이지 않습니다. | Dae-byeonui moyangi jeongsangjeogiji anseumnida. | The shape of my stool is not normal. |
This table should help you understand how to use “대변” in various formal contexts related to health and medical discussions.
Standard Examples
These examples are suitable for general conversations. The following table illustrates how to use “똥” (ddong) in standard sentences:
| Korean Sentence | Romanization | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 강아지가 똥을 쌌어요. | Gangajiga ddong-eul ssasseoyo. | The puppy pooped. |
| 화장실에 똥이 마려워요. | Hwajangsire ddong-i maryeowoyo. | I need to poop in the bathroom. |
| 똥 냄새가 나요. | Ddong naemsaega nayo. | It smells like poop. |
| 아이가 똥을 누었어요. | Aiga ddong-eul nuesseoyo. | The child pooped. |
| 똥 치워 주세요. | Ddong chiwo juseyo. | Please clean up the poop. |
| 어제 똥을 못 쌌어요. | Eoje ddong-eul mot ssasseoyo. | I couldn’t poop yesterday. |
| 똥이 너무 딱딱해요. | Ddong-i neomu ttaktakhae-yo. | My poop is too hard. |
| 똥을 싸는 데 힘들었어요. | Ddong-eul ssaneun de himdeureosseoyo. | It was hard to poop. |
| 고양이가 똥을 숨겼어요. | Goyangiga ddong-eul sumgyeosseoyo. | The cat hid its poop. |
| 똥을 싸고 나니 시원해요. | Ddong-eul ssago nani siwonhaeyo. | I feel relieved after pooping. |
| 똥을 싸기 전에 배가 아팠어요. | Ddong-eul ssagi jeone baega apasseoyo. | My stomach hurt before I pooped. |
| 똥을 너무 많이 쌌어요. | Ddong-eul neomu mani ssasseoyo. | I pooped too much. |
| 똥 색깔이 이상해요. | Ddong saekkkari isanghae-yo. | The color of my poop is strange. |
| 똥을 싸고 휴지를 안 썼어요. | Ddong-eul ssago hyujireul an sseosseoyo. | I pooped and didn’t use toilet paper. |
| 똥을 싸고 손을 씻어야 해요. | Ddong-eul ssago soneul ssiseoya haeyo. | I have to wash my hands after pooping. |
| 똥을 변기에 버려 주세요. | Ddong-eul byeongie beoryeo juseyo. | Please flush the poop down the toilet. |
| 똥을 싸고 물을 내렸어요. | Ddong-eul ssago mureul naeryeosseoyo. | I pooped and flushed the toilet. |
| 똥을 싸는 소리가 컸어요. | Ddong-eul ssaneun soriga keosseoyo. | The sound of me pooping was loud. |
| 똥을 싸고 나서 기분이 좋아요. | Ddong-eul ssago naseo gibuni joayo. | I feel good after pooping. |
| 똥을 쌌는데 냄새가 심해요. | Ddong-eul ssanneunde naemsaega simhaeyo. | I pooped, and it smells bad. |
| 똥을 싸는 자세가 불편해요. | Ddong-eul ssaneun jasega bulpyeonhae-yo. | The position I’m in to poop is uncomfortable. |
| 똥을 싸고 나서 다리가 저려요. | Ddong-eul ssago naseo dariga jeoryeo-yo. | My legs are numb after pooping. |
| 똥을 싸고 나서 어지러워요. | Ddong-eul ssago naseo eojireowo-yo. | I feel dizzy after pooping. |
This table provides examples of how to use “똥” in various everyday scenarios.
Informal Examples
These examples are best used among close friends and family. The following table demonstrates how to use “끙” (kkeung) and “응가” (eung-ga) in informal contexts:
| Korean Sentence | Romanization | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 아, 끙! 드디어 나왔다! | A, kkeung! Deudieo nawatda! | Ah, *strain*! Finally, it’s out! |
| 애기 응가 했어? | Aegi eung-ga haesseo? | Did the baby poop? |
| 나 응가 마려워. | Na eung-ga maryeowo. | I need to poop. (cute/informal) |
| 끙, 힘들어 죽겠네. | Kkeung, himdeureo jukgenne. | *Strain*, it’s so hard. |
| 응가 냄새난다. | Eung-ga naemsae nanda. | It smells like poop. (cute/informal) |
| 응가 치워줘. | Eung-ga chiwojwo. | Clean up the poop. (cute/informal) |
| 아까 끙 했는데 안 나왔어. | Akka kkeung haenneunde an nawatseo. | I strained earlier, but nothing came out. |
| 우리 강아지 응가 너무 귀여워. | Uri gangaji eung-ga neomu gwiyeowo. | Our puppy’s poop is so cute. (joking) |
| 응가 색깔이 왜 이래? | Eung-ga saekkkari wae irae? | Why is the color of the poop like this? (cute/informal) |
| 끙끙대지 말고 그냥 힘 줘. | Kkeung-kkeungdaeji malgo geunyang him jwo. | Don’t just strain, just push. |
| 응가 하고 나서 기분이 좋아졌어. | Eung-ga hago naseo gibuni joajyeosseo. | I feel better after pooping. (cute/informal) |
| 끙 하는 소리가 너무 웃겨. | Kkeung haneun soriga neomu utgyeo. | The straining sound is so funny. |
| 응가 할 때 책 읽는 거 좋아해? | Eung-ga hal ttae chaek ilneun geo joahae? | Do you like reading books when you poop? (cute/informal) |
| 끙 하면서 운동하는 거 봤어? | Kkeung hamyunseo undonghaneun geo bwasseo? | Have you seen someone exercising while straining? |
| 응가 하고 손 씻었어? | Eung-ga hago son ssieosseo? | Did you wash your hands after pooping? (cute/informal) |
| 끙 소리 내지 마. | Kkeung sori naeji ma. | Don’t make straining noises. |
| 응가 닦아줄게. | Eung-ga dakka julge. | I’ll wipe your poop. (cute/informal, typically to children) |
| 끙 하면서 힘 주는 모습이 귀여워. | Kkeung hamyunseo him juneun moseubi gwiyeowo. | The way you strain while pushing is cute. |
| 응가 냄새 때문에 창문 열었어. | Eung-ga naemsae ttaemune changmun yeoreosseo. | I opened the window because of the poop smell. (cute/informal) |
| 끙 하는 표정이 너무 진지해. | Kkeung haneun pyojeongi neomu jinjihae. | Your straining face is so serious. |
This table provides examples of how to use “끙” and “응가” in informal, casual conversations.
Childish Examples
These examples are specifically for talking to or about children. The following table illustrates how to use “뿌웅” (ppu-ung) and “아가 똥” (aga ddong) in childish contexts:
| Korean Sentence | Romanization | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 우리 아가, 뿌웅 했어? | Uri aga, ppu-ung haesseo? | Did our baby toot/poop? |
| 아가 똥 나왔네! | Aga ddong nawatne! | Baby pooped! |
| 뿌웅 소리 났어요! | Ppu-ung sori nasseoyo! | A toot sound was made! |
| 아가 똥 갈아줄게. | Aga ddong gara julge. | I’ll change your diaper (baby poop). |
| 뿌웅 뿌웅, 재미있지? | Ppu-ung ppu-ung, jaemiitji? | Toot toot, isn’t it fun? |
| 아가, 똥 시원하게 쌌어? | Aga, ddong siwonhage ssasseo? | Baby, did you poop comfortably? |
| 뿌웅 하고 웃었어요. | Ppu-ung hago useosseoyo. | He/She laughed after tooting. |
| 아가 똥 냄새 안 나요. | Aga ddong naemsae an nayo. | Baby poop doesn’t smell. (lie parents tell themselves) |
| 뿌웅 하는 게 너무 귀여워. | Ppu-ung haneun ge neomu gwiyeowo. | The tooting is so cute. |
| 우리 아가 똥 많이 쌌네. | Uri aga ddong mani ssanne. | Our baby pooped a lot. |
| 뿌웅 하면서 잠들었어요. | Ppu-ung hamyunseo jamdeureosseoyo. | He/She fell asleep while tooting. |
| 아가 똥 닦아줄까? | Aga ddong dakka julkka? | Should I wipe your poop, baby? |
| 뿌웅 소리에 깜짝 놀랐어요. | Ppu-ung sorie kkamjjak nollasseoyo. | I was surprised by the tooting sound. |
| 아가 똥 기저귀 갈 시간이야. | Aga ddong gijeogwi gal sigan-iya. | It’s time to change the baby’s poop diaper. |
| 뿌웅 하고 트림도 했어요. | Ppu-ung hago teurimdo haesseoyo. | He/She tooted and burped too. |
| 아가 똥 색깔이 예쁘네. | Aga ddong saekkkari yeppeune. | Baby’s poop color is pretty. (sarcastic/joking) |
| 뿌웅 하는 모습이 사랑스러워. | Ppu-ung haneun moseubi sarangseureowo. | The way he/she toots is lovely. |
| 우리 아가 똥 편하게 쌌어? | Uri aga ddong pyeonhage ssasseo? | Did our baby poop comfortably? |
| 뿌웅 하는 소리가 음악 같아. | Ppu-ung haneun soriga eumak gata. | The tooting sound is like music. (joking) |
| 아가 똥 냄새도 사랑해. | Aga ddong naemsaedo saranghae. | I even love the smell of baby poop. (parental love) |
This table provides examples of how to use childish terms when interacting with babies and young children.
Slang Examples
These examples are highly informal and should be used with caution. The following table illustrates how one might use a slang term (hypothetically) in a very informal context.
Note: Slang usage varies greatly by region and social group.
| Korean Sentence | Romanization | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 야, 나 지금 그릇 비우러 간다! | Ya, na jigeum geureut biureo ganda! | Hey, I’m going to empty the bowl (toilet)! |
| 오늘 그릇 상태가 안 좋네. | Oneul geureut sangtaega an johne. | The state of the bowl (toilet) is not good today. |
| 어제 그릇 청소 안 했어? | Eoje geureut cheongso an haesseo? | Didn’t you clean the bowl (toilet) yesterday? |
| 그릇이 꽉 찼어! | Geureusi kkwak chasseo! | The bowl (toilet) is full! |
| 그릇 좀 깨끗하게 써라. | Geureut jom kkaekkeuthage sseora. | Use the bowl (toilet) cleanly. |
| 그릇 비우는 데 오래 걸렸어. | Geureut biuneun de orae geollyeosseo. | It took a long time to empty the bowl (toilet). |
Disclaimer: The term “그릇” (geureut) used in this context is a hypothetical slang example and may not be commonly used or universally understood as referring to “pooping”. Slang usage can be very localized and change rapidly.
Usage Rules
When using Korean words for “poop,” consider the following rules:
- Formality: Always choose a word that matches the level of formality of the situation. Use formal terms in professional settings and informal terms with close friends.
- Age: Use childish terms only when speaking to or about young children.
- Relationship: Consider your relationship with the listener. Using informal terms with someone you don’t know well can be offensive.
- Context: Pay attention to the context of the conversation. Is it a serious discussion about health, or a casual chat among friends?
Exceptions to these rules are rare but can occur in specific social contexts. For example, close friends might jokingly use formal terms to create a humorous effect.
However, it’s generally best to adhere to the guidelines above to avoid misunderstandings or offense.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using Korean words for “poop”:
- Using informal terms in formal settings: This can be highly inappropriate and disrespectful.
- Using formal terms with children: This can sound unnatural and confusing.
- Misunderstanding the nuances of slang: Slang terms can have double meanings or be offensive if used incorrectly.
- Ignoring the context: Failing to consider the context of the conversation can lead to misunderstandings.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 의사 선생님, 똥이 이상해요. | 의사 선생님, 대변이 이상해요. | Using “똥” (informal) instead of “대변” (formal) in a medical setting. |
| 아기, 대변 나왔어? | 아기, 응가 나왔어? | Using “대변” (formal) instead of “응가” (childish) when talking to a baby. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises:
- Translate the following sentence into Korean, using the appropriate level of formality: “The doctor asked about my bowel movements.”
- Choose the correct word to fill in the blank: 아이가 _____ 쌌어요. (대변, 똥, 응가)
- What is the most appropriate way to ask a child if they need to poop?
- In what situation would you use the term “대변”?
- Translate: “I feel relieved after pooping.” (informal)
- Choose the correct word: 강아지가 _____을 쌌어요. (대변, 똥, 응가)
- What is a formal way to say “stool test” in Korean?
- Correct the mistake: 선생님, 응가가 안 나와요. (Context: student to teacher)
- Translate: “The color of my stool is strange.” (formal)
- What is a childish term for “poop”?
Answer Key:
- 의사 선생님이 대변에 대해 물어봤어요.
- 똥 or 응가 (depending on the age of the child and the context)
- 응가 할까? or 똥 눌까?
- In a medical or professional setting.
- 나 응가하고 나니 시원해.
- 똥
- 대변 검사
- 선생님, 대변이 안 나와요.
- 대변 색깔이 이상합니다.
- 뿌웅 or 아가 똥
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects to consider:
- Euphemisms: Explore other euphemistic expressions for “poop” in Korean.
- Regional variations: Investigate how different regions of Korea might have unique slang terms for “poop.”
- Historical context: Research the historical evolution of these words and their cultural significance.
- Idiomatic expressions: Learn idiomatic expressions that use the word “poop” metaphorically.
Understanding these advanced topics requires a deeper immersion into Korean culture and language. It involves not only mastering the vocabulary but also understanding the subtle nuances and cultural implications behind these words.
FAQ
- Is it rude to talk about poop in Korean?
It depends on the context and the relationship between the speakers. In formal settings, it’s best to use polite terms like “대변.” With close friends and family, informal terms are acceptable. However, avoid discussing bodily functions in overly graphic detail, as this can be considered impolite.
- What’s the difference between 똥 and 대변?
“똥” (ddong) is a standard, slightly informal term for “poop,” suitable for general conversations. “대변” (dae-byeon) is a formal term used in medical or professional settings.
- How do I ask a doctor about my bowel movements in Korean?
You can say, “의사 선생님, 대변에 대해 질문이 있습니다” (Uisa seonsaengnim, dae-byeone daehae jilmuni isseumnida), which means “Doctor, I have a question about my bowel movements.”
- What’s a cute way to say “poop” to a child?
You can use terms like “응가” (eung-ga) or “아가 똥” (aga ddong) when talking to young children.
- Is it okay to use slang terms for “poop” in public?
It’
s generally not recommended, as it can be considered rude or inappropriate. Slang is best reserved for close friends in informal settings.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “poop” in Korean may seem like a basic task, but it opens a window into the nuances of Korean language and culture. From the formal “대변” to the childish “뿌웅,” each term carries its own weight and is appropriate for different situations.
By understanding these distinctions, you can communicate more effectively and avoid potential misunderstandings.
Continue practicing these terms in real-life conversations to solidify your understanding. Pay attention to how native speakers use these words and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
With consistent effort, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your ability to discuss this essential, albeit sometimes embarrassing, topic in Korean.