devo fare la pipì
The English phrase "I need to pee" is translated into Italian as devo fare la pipì.
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 informal and is most commonly used by children or when speaking to children. For a more formal or clinical way to express the same need, you can use devo urinare. In polite social situations, Italians often use the euphemism devo andare in bagno (I need to go to the bathroom) instead of mentioning the act of peeing.
Did you know?
- While pipì is a universal term for children, adults often use the phrase farsi la pipì sotto to mean they are 'peeing themselves' out of extreme fear or laughter.
- The term pipì is an onomatopoeia, mimicking the actual sound of a liquid stream, which is why it is so common in toddler language.
- While pipì is common for children, adults in casual settings might use the slang term fare un pisciello, which adds a diminutive ending to make the act sound less crude.
Examples in context
- Avresti il bagno a disposizione?Would you have a restroom available?
- Devo andare in bagnoI need to go to the bathroom
- Ho bisogno di fare pipìI need to pee
- Scusa, devo fare una pausa toiletteSorry, I need to take a bathroom break
- Scusa, ma devo fare la pipì.Excuse me, but I need to pee.
- Papà, devo fare la pipì subito!Dad, I need to pee right now!
- Non posso parlare, devo fare la pipì.I can't talk, I need to pee.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are walking in a park.
- SofiaMatteo, fermiamoci un attimo.Matteo, let's stop for a moment.
- MatteoPerché? Cosa succede?Why? What's happening?
- SofiaDevo fare la pipì.I need to pee.
- MatteoC'è un bagno proprio là.There is a bathroom right there.
