What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 똥 (poop) and 마려워요 (to have an urge/to be about to happen).
Which one should you use?
While 똥 마려워요 is a common way to state the need, other forms exist depending on the setting. For a more formal and clinical expression, you can use 대변이 마려워요, which uses the word 대변 (bowel movement/stool) instead of 똥. If you want to be polite and avoid being blunt, it is better to say 실례지만 화장실에 가야 해요 (Excuse me, but I have to go to the restroom) or the informal 미안한데 화장실 가야 돼 (Sorry, but I have to go to the restroom).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a casual version used with friends or younger people, you can use 똥 마려워. In formal situations, avoid the word 똥 and instead use the clinical 대변이 마려워요 or the polite way to request a restroom: 실례지만 화장실에 가야 해요.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase 똥 싸야 돼 (I have to poop) is commonly used in Seoul and surrounding areas.
How do you pronounce it?
ttong maryeowoyo
Did you know?
- The phrase 똥 싸다 (to poop) is so common that it has spawned a wide range of slang, including the term 똥손, which refers to someone who is clumsy or bad at making things.
- In Korean culture, talking about 똥 is often used in the phrase 똥고집, which describes someone with an incredibly stubborn or unreasonable level of persistence.
- The verb part of the phrase, 마려워요, is a unique grammatical structure used almost exclusively for physical urges like needing to urinate or defecate. You cannot use this specific verb to describe wanting to eat or sleep.
Examples in context
- 지금 너무 똥 마려워요.jigeum neomu ttong maryeowoyo.I really have to poop right now.
- 갑자기 똥 마려워요.gapjagi ttong maryeowoyo.Suddenly, I have to poop.
- 화장실 가고 싶어요, 똥 마려워요.hwajangsil gago sipeoyo, ttong maryeowoyo.I want to go to the bathroom, I have to poop.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are walking to a restaurant.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 잠시만요. 똥 마려워요.Subin ssi, jamsimanyo. ttong maryeowoyo.Subin, hold on a second. I have to poop.
- 수빈 Su-bin네? 그럼 빨리 화장실 가세요.ne? geureom ppalli hwajangsil gaseyo.What? Then go to the bathroom quickly.
- 민준 Min-jun근처에 화장실이 어디 있어요?geuncheoe hwajangsil-i eodi isseoyo?Where is a bathroom nearby?
- 수빈 Su-bin저기 편의점에 있어요.jeogi pyeonyijeome isseoyo.It's over there in the convenience store.
