おまる
o-maru[o̞ma̠ɾɯ̟]
The Japanese word for "potty" is おまる (o-maru).
おまる refers specifically to a children's chamberpot. In a more informal or child-friendly context, the term ちっち is used to refer to the potty or the toilet itself when speaking with close friends or family members.
Meaning: children's chamberpot (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
o-maru
Did you know?
- The word まる (maru) can also mean 'circle', though in the context of おまる, it stems from the verb for 'to throw/release'.
- Adults often use a specific 'baby talk' register when discussing an おまる that involves lengthening vowels and using a higher pitch to sound more gentle.
- While an English speaker might say 'use the potty', a Japanese person might use a phrase that translates more closely to 'doing business' or 'releasing' when using more formal terms.
Examples in context
- トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)Where is the restroom?
- 新しいおまるを買いました。atarashii omaru o kaimashita.I bought a new potty.
- おまるはどこにありますか？omaru wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where is the potty?
- おまるを洗ってください。omaru o aratte kudasai.Please wash the potty.
Example conversation
A mother and father are preparing for their baby's potty training.
- 結衣 Yui新しいおまるは届きましたか？atarashii omaru wa todokimashita ka?Has the new potty arrived?
- 健太 Kentaはい、さっき届きましたよ。hai, sakki todokimashita yo.Yes, it arrived just now.
- 結衣 Yui健太さん、おまるを準備して。kenta-san, omaru o junbi shite.Kenta, please get the potty ready.
- 健太 Kenta分かりました。すぐに準備します。wakarimashita. sugu ni junbi shimasu.Understood. I will get it ready immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “potty” translations and entries おまる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
