What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 오줌, which means urine and the verb form 마려워요, which is used specifically to describe the urgent physical sensation of needing to perform a bodily function like urinating or defecating.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the common term for urine and more formal terms. Using 오줌 is common, but 소변이 마려워요 uses the more formal or medical term 소변, which makes the expression sound more polite and less blunt in formal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 오줌 마려워요 is in the polite style (해요체), making it suitable to use with people you are not close to or who are older than you, although the subject matter remains quite blunt. For close friends or people younger than you, you can use the informal/casual form (반말) 오줌 마려워 by dropping the '요' at the end.
How do you pronounce it?
ojum maryeowoyo
Did you know?
- Children often use the cute version 쉬 instead of 오줌 to say they need to go.
- The word 오줌 has been recorded in Korean texts since at least 1447, appearing as 오좀 in the 'Seokbo sangjeol'.
- Korean distinguishes between the urge to pee and the urge to poop using the same verb 마렵다, but the noun changes to 똥 for the latter.
Examples in context
- 화장실에 가야 해요.I have to go to the bathroom.
- 화장실 가야 돼.I gotta use the bathroom.
- 오줌 마려워요.ojum maryeowoyo.I have to pee.
- 갑자기 오줌 마려워요.gapjagi ojum maryeowoyo.Suddenly, I have to pee.
- 지금 오줌 마려워요.jigeum ojum maryeowoyo.I have to pee right now.
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Jieun are in a car during a long drive.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 저 오줌 마려워요.Jieun ssi, jeo ojum maryeowoyo.Jieun, I have to pee.
- 지은 Ji-eun근처에 휴게소가 있어요.geuncheoe hyugeso-ga isseoyo.There is a rest area nearby.
- 도현 Do-hyeon빨리 가주세요.ppalli gajuseyo.Please go quickly.
- 지은 Ji-eun알겠어요, 조금만 참아요.algesseoyo, jogeumman chamayo.Okay, just hold it for a bit.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오줌, CC BY-SA 4.0.
