đi vệ sinh
The English phrase "go potty" is translated into Vietnamese as đi vệ sinh.
đi vệ sinh is the most common way to express the need to use the toilet in social settings without being graphic.
Which one should you use?
While đi vệ sinh is a polite euphemism, the terms đi đái (to pee) and đi ị (to poop) are much more blunt and informal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
đi vệ sinh is a polite and standard way to say one needs to use the restroom, suitable for both children and adults.
Did you know?
- The phrase đi vệ sinh literally translates to 'go hygiene' or 'go sanitary'.
- The word vệ used in the phrase is a Sino-Vietnamese character that originally meant 'to defend' or 'to guard'.
- The structure of đi vệ sinh uses a Sino-Vietnamese core, which makes it sound more formal and standardized than many purely native Vietnamese expressions.
Examples in context
- Con muốn đi vệ sinh.I want to go potty.
- Bé cần đi vệ sinh ngay.The baby needs to go potty right away.
- Đã đến lúc đi vệ sinh rồi.It is time to go potty.
Example conversation
Minh is helping a young child in a living room.
- MinhCon có muốn đi vệ sinh không?Do you want to go potty?
- MaiCon muốn đi vệ sinh ạ.I want to go potty.
- MinhĐược rồi, chúng ta đi thôi.Okay, let's go.
- MaiCảm ơn bố Minh.Thank you, Papa Minh.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sinh, vệ, đi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
