devo fare la pipì
The English phrase "I have to pee" is translated into Italian as devo fare la pipì.
This phrase is used to express the need to urinate.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of devo (I must), fare (to do/make) and la pipì (the pee).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
devo fare la pipì is a colloquial way to say you have to use the restroom. If you want to sound more clinical or formal, you can use devo urinare. In social settings with adults, it is more polite to say devo andare in bagno (I have to go to the bathroom) rather than mentioning the act of urinating directly. For a formal way to express the need to use the restroom, you can use Ho bisogno di andare in bagno.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb devo is the first-person singular present tense of dovere (must/have to).
Did you know?
- While English speakers often use 'to go' as a euphemism, an Italian speaker might say devo andare a fare un salto in bagno, literally 'I have to go take a jump in the bathroom'.
- To be extremely discreet, an Italian might say scusate un attimo meaning 'excuse me for a moment' and omit any mention of the bathroom or the act of urinating.
- The word pipì is an example of 'baby talk' that traveled across European borders, sharing a similar sound with the French word pipi.
Examples in context
- Scusa, devo fare pipì. Sai dove posso trovare un bagno?Sorry, I need to pee. Do you know where I can find a bathroom?
- Devo fare la pipì subito.I have to pee right now.
- Mamma, devo fare la pipì.Mom, I have to pee.
- Scusa, ma devo fare la pipì.Excuse me, but I have to pee.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are walking in a park.
- ChiaraLorenzo, devo fare la pipì.Lorenzo, I have to pee.
- LorenzoC'è un bagno proprio qui.There is a bathroom right here.
- ChiaraDove si trova esattamente?Where exactly is it?
- LorenzoÈ dietro quell'albero.It is behind that tree.
