tengo que hacer pipí
/tenɡo ke aθeɾ pipi/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I need to pee" is translated into Spanish as tengo que hacer pipí.
This phrase is a common way to express the need to urinate, often used in informal or childlike language. If you are in a formal setting and want to say "I need to go to the bathroom", you should use Necesito ir al baño. If you wish to ask for permission to use a restroom, you can say ¿Puedo usar el baño?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tengo que (I have to) and hacer pipí (to do/make pee-pee).
Which one should you use?
Tengo que hacer pis is another informal way to say "I have to pee." For a more clinical or adult tone in a formal setting, use tengo que orinar.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tengo que hacer pipí is often used in childlike language. For formal or adult situations, Necesito ir al baño is a standard way to say you need the bathroom and tengo que orinar is a more clinical option. Tengo que hacer pis is an informal alternative.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, hacer pis is a common alternative to hacer pipí.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo ke aθeɾ pipi/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase estoy urgido or estoy apretado to signal that the need to pee is an emergency.
- The verb hacer in the phrase is a direct descendant of the Latin word 'facere', which is also the root of English words like 'factory' and 'facility'.
- The word pipí is an example of onomatopoeia, meaning the sound itself is meant to imitate the actual sound of the act.
Examples in context
- Chicos, ¡tengo que hacer pis! ¿Dónde está el baño?Guys, I have to pee! Where's the bathroom?
- Tengo que hacer pipí ahora mismo.I need to pee right now.
- ¿Puedo ir al baño? Tengo que hacer pipí.Can I go to the bathroom? I need to pee.
Example conversation
A mother and son are in the car during a long trip.
- DanielMamá, tengo que hacer pipí.Mom, I need to pee.
- MaríaYa casi llegamos, Daniel.We are almost there, Daniel.
- Daniel¡Pero es que tengo que hacer pipí ya!But I need to pee now!
- MaríaEstá bien, buscaremos una gasolinera.Alright, we will look for a gas station.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, pipí, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
