Proverb / Kotowaza
出物腫れ物所嫌わず
Natural bodily functions and physical ailments can occur at any time or place, regardless of the situation.
Bodily emissions and boils do not choose the place.
Quick Answer
Natural bodily functions and physical ailments can occur at any time or place, regardless of the situation.
- Literal Image
- Bodily emissions and boils do not choose the place.
- How to Use It
- This expression is used as a humorous way to acknowledge an embarrassing but natural physiological event—such as a stomach growl, a sneeze, or gas—that occurs in a public or formal setting.
Meaning
This proverb points out that physiological events, such as flatulence or the appearance of a boil, do not discriminate based on location or social context. It suggests that because these are natural occurrences, they are ultimately unavoidable and beyond human control.
Literal Image
Bodily emissions and boils do not choose the place.
How to Use It
This expression is used as a humorous way to acknowledge an embarrassing but natural physiological event—such as a stomach growl, a sneeze, or gas—that occurs in a public or formal setting.
Tone
Lighthearted and humorous, can be used to soften the awkwardness of an unavoidable bodily function.
Examples
大事な会議中にお腹が鳴ってしまった。出物腫れ物所嫌わず、困ったものだ。
My stomach growled right in the middle of an important meeting. Well, bodily functions happen when they want; it’s quite embarrassing.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb features specific physiological terms and utilizes the classical negative suffix '-zu' for the verb 'kirau' (to choose/discriminate).
出物
でもの / demono
emissions or bodily functions
腫れ物
はれもの / haremono
swelling or boil
所
ところ / tokoro
place
嫌わず
きらわず / kirawazu
regardless of or without choosing
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a humorous expression; using it in an overly serious medical context would be inappropriate.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as a statement about lack of manners; rather, it is an acknowledgment that some things are simply beyond one's physical control.
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Origin
The saying is based on the idea that flatulence (放屁) and boils appear relentlessly even in situations that cause trouble for people. It is a humorous expression reflecting the idea that one cannot go against the laws of nature.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.