Translation guide
The English word 'urine' refers to the liquid waste product from the body. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 尿 (nyō), used in medical and formal contexts. In everyday conversation, おしっこ (oshikko) is the standard word, especially with children or in casual settings. More polite or euphemistic terms exist for different situations.
The liquid waste product from the body, used in formal, medical, or technical contexts.
The standard, neutral term for urine. Used in medical, scientific, and formal contexts. Not typically used in casual conversation.
The urine test results were normal.
尿の色が濃い場合は、水分不足かもしれません。
If your urine is dark, you might be dehydrated.
Literally 'small convenience', a somewhat crude or direct term for urine or urination. More common in male speech or rough contexts. Can be used as a noun or verb (suru).
小便が近いんです。
I have to pee frequently.
The liquid waste product, used in daily conversation, especially with children or in casual family settings.
The most common everyday word for urine or pee. Used by both children and adults in informal situations. Can also be used as a verb with する (to pee).
子供がおしっこを漏らしてしまった。
The child wet himself.
おしっこに行きたい。
I need to go pee.
A polite or euphemistic term, sometimes used by women or in customer service (e.g., at a clinic). Literally 'honorable small water'.
お小水を取らせていただきます。
We will collect a urine sample (polite).
A polite or indirect way to refer to urine, often used in formal settings or when speaking to strangers.
Literally 'hand-washing', this is the standard polite euphemism for toilet/restroom, but can indirectly refer to the act or need to urinate. Often used in the phrase お手洗いに行く (to go to the restroom).
すみません、お手洗いはどこですか？
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Loanword from English 'toilet'. Commonly used to refer to the restroom, and by extension, the need to urinate. Slightly less formal than お手洗い but very common.
The act or process of urinating, often used in medical contexts.
Medical term for urination. Used in clinical settings. Can be used as a noun or with する (to urinate).
排尿時に痛みがあります。
I have pain when urinating.
尿 (nyō) is the formal, medical term. おしっこ (oshikko) is the casual, child-friendly term used in daily life. 小便 (shōben) is a rougher, more direct term, often used by men. Choose based on context and politeness level.
医者：尿を調べましょう。
Doctor: Let's check your urine.
母親：おしっこは済んだ？
Mother: Did you finish peeing?
In polite conversation, directly saying 'urine' can be too blunt. Use euphemisms like お手洗い (restroom) or トイレ (toilet) to indirectly refer to the need to urinate. For example, say 'お手洗いに行きたいです' (I want to go to the restroom) instead of '尿を出したいです'.
医者が尿のサンプルを求めました。
The doctor asked for a urine sample.
子供がおしっこしたいと言った。
My child said he needs to pee.
I'm going to the restroom.