Tengo que cagar
/tenɡo ke kaɡaɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I have to poop" is said as Tengo que cagar.
Tengo que cagar is a vulgar way to express that you need to use the bathroom to defecate.
Which one should you use?
While Tengo que cagar is vulgar, Tengo que hacer caca is a softer, more childish way to express the same need. If you want to express the need politely without being explicit, you should use Tengo que ir al baño. For a colloquial way of saying you need to "do the number two", you can say Necesito hacer del dos.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tengo que cagar is an informal and somewhat vulgar phrase. The verb cagar is considered vulgar and should be avoided in polite company. For a formal way to say you need to use the bathroom, use Necesito utilizar el baño.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo ke kaɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb cagar is so strong that it is often used in idioms to describe a failure or a disaster, regardless of whether a bathroom is involved.
- The vulgar verb cagar is a direct relative of the English word 'cack'. Both descend from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning the same thing.
- If you use the phrase Tengo que cagar in a professional setting, you might be perceived as much more aggressive than someone saying 'I have to poop' in English.
Examples in context
- Tengo que cagar ahora mismo.I have to poop right now.
- No puedo hablar, tengo que cagar.I can't talk, I have to poop.
- Tengo que cagar y luego salimos.I have to poop and then we go out.
Example conversation
Two friends are at a crowded party when one suddenly feels ill.
- SofíaAlejandro, no me siento bien.Alejandro, I don't feel well.
- Alejandro¿Qué te pasa, Sofía?What is happening to you, Sofia?
- SofíaTengo que cagar urgente.I have to poop urgently.
- AlejandroCorre al baño entonces.Run to the bathroom then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cagar, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
