tengo ganas de hacer pis
/tenɡo ɡanas de aθeɾ pis/from spelling rules
In Spanish, tengo ganas de hacer pis is a casual way to say "I need a wee".
While it is a standard way to communicate this need informally, it is very direct about the biological act itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have desire to do pee".
Which one should you use?
tengo ganas de hacer pis is a direct expression about the act of urinating. In contrast, tengo que ir al baño is a more polite and indirect way to say "I have to go to the bathroom" to express the same need.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal and appropriate for use with friends or family, but it is considered too blunt for formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the construction tener ganas de followed by an infinitive, which is used to express a physical urge or desire to do something.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo ɡanas de aθeɾ pis/
Did you know?
- The word pis is considered an onomatopoeia, meaning it was created to mimic the actual sound of flowing liquid.
- While hacer pis is standard in Spain, many Latin American speakers use hacer pipí instead.
- The word ganas is so versatile that it is used for both a biological need to urinate and a psychological craving for food.
Examples in context
- Necesito ir al baño, por favor.I need to go to the bathroom, please.
- Necesito hacer pipí.I need to do pee.
- Tengo ganas de hacer pis.I feel like peeing.
- ¡Tío/a, necesito ir al baño ya!Dude, I need to go to the bathroom now!
- Mamá, tengo ganas de hacer pis.Mom, I need to go pee.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are on a long car trip.
- SofíaMateo, para el coche, tengo ganas de hacer pis.Mateo, stop the car, I need a wee.
- MateoEstá bien, Sofía, buscaremos una gasolinera.Okay, Sofía, we will look for a gas station.
- SofíaGracias, es que tengo muchas ganas de hacer pis.Thanks, it's just that I really need to pee.
- MateoNo te preocupes, ya casi llegamos.Don't worry, we are almost there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
