What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb fare (to do/make) and the onomatopoeic noun pipì, which means 'pee'.
Which one should you use?
While fare pipì is the common and casual way to express this action, the word urinare is used for formal, medical or clinical contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
fare pipì is an informal phrase and is the standard way to speak to or about children. For a more polite or formal way to say you need to use the restroom, you can say Avrei bisogno di usare il bagno. In very informal settings, one might also use pisciare, such as in the phrase Sbrigati che devo pisciare!
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈfa.re piˈpi/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid translating 'to go pee' literally as andare pipì. You must use the verb fare (to do) or the construction andare a fare.
Did you know?
- The noun pipì follows the pattern of many Italian reduplicated words used for children, which often repeat syllables to sound 'cuter'.
- The term pipì shares the same linguistic roots as the French word pipi, showing how baby talk is often consistent across Romance languages.
- Because pipì is onomatopoeic, it mimics the sound of the action, a trait it shares with several other European languages' words for childish urination.
Examples in context
- Doveva andare a fare pipì.He needed to go pee.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase fare pipì.Tatoeba #11687793 by Nuel, translation #11687791 by Nuel
- Il bambino deve fare pipì.The baby needs to go pee.
- Posso andare a fare pipì?Can I go pee?
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are preparing for a long car trip.
- MatteoGiulia, partiamo tra cinque minuti.Giulia, we are leaving in five minutes.
- GiuliaAspetta, devo fare pipì velocemente.Wait, I have to go pee quickly.
- MatteoSbrigati, o faremo tardi.Hurry up, or we'll be late.
- GiuliaSì, torno subito!Yes, I'll be right back!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (fare, pipì) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fare, pipì, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
