오줌
ojum[o̞d͡ʑum]
The English word "pee" can be translated into Korean as 오줌 (ojum).
오줌 refers to the liquid itself. Unlike the English word "pee", which can function as both a noun and a verb, in Korean you must use 오줌 as a noun alongside a verb to express the action of urinating.
Meaning: urinate (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 오줌 is the common term for the liquid (pee), you will encounter other terms depending on the context: 소변 is the formal or medical term for urine and 쉬 is a colloquial, childish term used when speaking to young children.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
오줌 is an informal term. For clinical or polite settings, use the formal term 소변. For very casual settings or when talking to children, you may use the childish term 쉬.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of urinating, the noun 오줌 is typically used with the verb 싸다 (to urinate or discharge) to form the phrase 오줌을 싸다.
How do you pronounce it?
ojum
Did you know?
- The verb used with 오줌 is 싸다, which also means 'to wrap' or 'to pack' a gift. Context is the only way to tell if someone is packing a box or urinating.
- While 소변 is the formal word for urine, it is composed of Hanja characters meaning 'small' and 'convenience'.
- In Korea, the childish term 쉬 is often used by adults as a subtle, polite euphemism when they need to excuse themselves to the restroom in casual company.
Examples in context
- 화장실 가고 싶어요I need to go to the restroom
- 아기가 오줌을 싸요.agiga ojeumeul ssayo.The baby is peeing.
- 강아지가 바닥에 오줌을 쌌어요.gangajiga badage ojeumeul ssasseoyo.The puppy peed on the floor.
Example conversation
A young man is telling his girlfriend about his pet's accident.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨, 무슨 일 있어요?Minjun ssi, museun il isseoyo?Minjun, is something wrong?
- 민준 Min-jun강아지가 거실에 오줌을 쌌어요.gangajiga geosil-e ojeumeul ssasseoyo.The puppy peed in the living room.
- 서연 Seo-yeon어떡해요, 빨리 치워야겠어요.eotteokhaeyo, ppalli chiwoyagesseoyo.Oh no, you should clean it up quickly.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 지금 바로 치울게요.ne, jigeum baro chiulgeyo.Yes, I will clean it up right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 오줌, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
