What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ir (to go), the preposition a (to), the verb hacer (to do/make) and the noun caca (poop).
Which one should you use?
While ir a hacer caca is childish or informal, defecar is the formal, medical term used in professional or clinical contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ir a hacer caca is an informal expression. For a more formal way to say one needs to use the bathroom for any reason, you can use hacer sus necesidades. If you need a clinical or highly formal term, use defecar. The term caca itself is considered childish or very informal, similar to saying 'poop' in English. Additionally, cagar is an informal term that can be considered somewhat vulgar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, hacer popó is a common alternative to hacer caca and carries a similar childish or informal tone.
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ a aθeɾ kaka/
Did you know?
- In the phrase ir a hacer caca, the verb ir is a linguistic puzzle called a suppletive verb because its forms come from three different Latin roots.
Examples in context
- Durante la reunión, necesitaré hacer mis necesidades.During the meeting, I will need to go to the bathroom.
- Espera aquí, voy a hacer caca y vuelvo.Wait here, I'm going to poop and I'll be back.
- El bebé quiere ir a hacer caca.The baby wants to go poop.
- Tengo que ir a hacer caca ahora.I have to go poop now.
- ¿Quieres ir a hacer caca, mi amor?Do you want to go poop, my love?
Example conversation
A mother is checking on her toddler at home.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿tienes que ir a hacer caca?Lucía, do you need to go poop?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, tengo muchas ganas.Yes, Alejandro, I really have to go.
- AlejandroEstá bien, vamos al baño rápidamente.Okay, let's go to the bathroom quickly.
- LucíaGracias por ayudarme, papá.Thanks for helping me, dad.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, caca, hacer, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
