What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 我要去撒尿 is composed of 我 (I) + 要 (want/need to) + 去 (go to) + 撒尿 (urinate).
Which one should you use?
我想上厕所 serves as a polite euphemism to avoid mentioning the act of urination itself. For a more formal way to refer to the act of urination, one should use 我要去小便 instead of 撒尿. In urgent, colloquial situations, one might say 我憋不住了 to mean "I can't hold it anymore."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
我想上洗手间 is a formal way to say you want to go to the restroom, while 我想上厕所 is a common, polite euphemism. 我要上厕所 is an informal way to say you are going to the bathroom. For children or when speaking to them, the colloquial term 我要尿尿 is frequently used. To be more polite or formal, use 我要去小便 rather than 我要去撒尿.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the form 我要上廁所 is more commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ yào qù sāniào
Did you know?
- The child-friendly term 尿尿 uses a process called reduplication, where repeating a character makes the meaning sound 'cute' or 'small'.
- The word 撒 in 撒尿 literally means 'to scatter' or 'to sprinkle', suggesting a spreading motion rather than a steady stream.
- The phrase 我憋不住了 uses the character 憋, which specifically describes the physical sensation of holding back breath or pressure.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a movie at home.
- 梓涵 Zihan暂停一下，我要去撒尿。Zàntíng yīxià, wǒ yào qù sāniào.Pause it for a second, I have to pee.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，快去吧。Hǎo de, kuài qù ba.Okay, go quickly.
- 梓涵 Zihan我回来了，可以继续了。Wǒ huíláile, kěyǐ jìxù le.I'm back, we can continue.
- 俊杰 Junjie没问题，我们开始看。Méi wèntí, wǒmen kāishǐ kàn.No problem, let's start watching.
