Tengo que ir al baño
/tenɡo ke iɾ al baɲo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have to go to the bathroom" is translated into Spanish as Tengo que ir al baño.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as Tengo (I have) que (that) ir (to go) al (to the) baño (bathroom).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be more formal or indirect, such as when you are in more polite company or at a restaurant, you can use Necesito usar el servicio.
How does it change in a sentence?
The construction tener que followed by an infinitive is the standard way to express obligation or necessity in Spanish.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo ke iɾ al baɲo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the que and say Tengo ir al baño. You must include que after tener before an infinitive to express obligation.
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a linguistic mosaic. Its present form voy comes from the Latin 'vādere' 'to go', while its past form fui actually comes from the Latin 'esse' 'to be'.
- In Spain, it is common to ask ¿Dónde están los aseos? when looking for the bathroom in public places, using a word that refers to 'toiletries' or 'cleaning'.
- In some Latin American countries, using the word baño in a very formal setting can be seen as too graphic. People instead use servicios or sanitarios to avoid mentioning the actual room.
Examples in context
- Necesito ir al baño.I need to go to the bathroom.
- Tengo que ir al baño.I have to go to the bathroom.
- Perdón, necesito ir al bañoSorry, I need to go to the bathroom
- Tengo que ir al baño ahora mismo.I have to go to the bathroom right now.
- Perdón, tengo que ir al baño.Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are watching a movie at home.
- LucíaDaniel, tengo que ir al baño.Daniel, I have to go to the bathroom.
- Daniel¿Quieres que pause la película, Lucía?Do you want me to pause the movie, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, por favor.Yes, please.
- DanielNo hay problema.No problem.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baño, ir, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
