おしっこ
oshikko[o̞ɕik̚ko̞]
The Japanese word for 'wee' is おしっこ (oshikko).
Other related terms include ちっちゃい for describing something as small or tiny, and ちび which refers to a small or cute person or thing.
Meaning: small, little (adj)
Which one should you use?
You may use ちっちゃい when you want to describe something as being small or tiny or ちび when referring specifically to a small or cute person or thing.
How do you pronounce it?
oshikko
Did you know?
- The term おしっこ was first attested in written form around 1905, making it a relatively modern addition to the Japanese lexicon compared to ancient terms for waste.
- Children often use the phrase おしっこ出したい (oshikko dashitai), which literally means 'I want to let the wee out' rather than 'I need to go'.
- Using the word おしっこ in a formal business setting would be considered highly inappropriate and even jarring.
Examples in context
- ちっちゃい犬が庭で遊んでいます。A small dog is playing in the yard.
- このカフェの店内はちっちゃいけれど、居心地が良い。The interior of this café is small but cozy.
Example conversation
A mother and her young son are getting ready to leave the house.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮、おしっこは大丈夫？Ren, oshikko wa daijoubu?Ren, do you need to go pee?
- 蓮 Renうん、大丈夫。Un, daijoubu.Yeah, I'm okay.
- 美咲 Misaki本当？おしっこに行かなくていいの？Honto? Oshikko ni ikanakute ii no?Really? You don't need to go wee?
- 蓮 Renいいよ！行こう！Ii yo! Ikou!I'm good! Let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry おしっこ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries おしっこ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
