おしっこしたい
oshikko shitai
The English phrase "I have to pee" is expressed in Japanese as おしっこしたい (oshikko shitai).
This phrase is used to express a physical need to urinate. While it directly communicates the need, it is quite blunt because it focuses on the physical act of peeing rather than the need to use a restroom.
What does it mean word for word?
The word おしっこ is a colloquial noun for urine or pee.
Which one should you use?
While おしっこしたい focuses on the physical act of peeing, the phrase お手洗いにいきたい (I want to go to the restroom) is the standard euphemism used to avoid being blunt about bodily functions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
おしっこしたい is an informal way to express the need to urinate, often used by children or between close friends and family. For a more polite and socially acceptable way to express the same need in public or formal settings, use お手洗いにいきたいです. If you need to be very formal, such as asking permission, you can use トイレに行かせていただけますか？ (May I go to the restroom, please?). In informal settings among friends or family, you can also use トイレに行きたいんだけど or お手洗いに行きたいんだけど.
How do you pronounce it?
oshikko shitai
Did you know?
- The word おしっこ uses the honorific prefix お, which is usually used to show respect to others or things. Adding this polite prefix to a blunt word for urine actually makes it sound more like 'child-speak' or 'cute' rather than genuinely formal.
- While English speakers often say 'I need to go' to imply a restroom visit, saying just 行きたい (ikitai – I want to go) in Japanese without specifying 'to the toilet' can be confusing or even suggest you want to leave a location entirely.
- While おしっこしたい is blunt, Japanese culture often uses 'directional' euphemisms like お手洗い which literally means 'hand-washing place' to avoid mentioning the act of urinating.
Examples in context
- 「おしっこしたい」「ジョニー、そうじゃないだろ。『すみません。お手洗いにいきたいんですが』と言いなさい」"I have to pee." "Jonny, that's not the right thing to say. Say, 'Excuse me. I need to go to the toilet.'"This sentence is useful for illustrating the difference between the blunt おしっこしたい and a more polite way to express the same need.Tatoeba #77044 by bunbuku, translation #326675 by Swift
- すみません、トイレに行ってもいいですか？Excuse me, may I go to the restroom?
- おしっこしたい。Oshikko shitai.I have to pee.
- あ、おしっこしたい！A, oshikko shitai!Ah, I have to pee!
Example conversation
Two friends are driving in a car together.
- 美咲 Misakiあの、おしっこしたい。Ano, oshikko shitai.Um, I have to pee.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、もう？E, mou?What, already?
- 美咲 Misaki急にそうなっちゃった。Kyuu ni sou natchatta.It just happened suddenly.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。近くのコンビニに寄るね。Wakatta. Chikaku no konbini ni yoru ne.Got it. I'll stop at a nearby convenience store.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
