hacer pipí
casual, Mexico
In Mexican Spanish the casual way to say "pee" is hacer pipí. The neutral verb is orinar, and ir al baño, "to go to the bathroom", is the polite way to say you need to go.
Meaning: to urinate (verb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| hacer pipí | casual, Mexico |
| orinar | neutral, formal |
| ir al baño | polite |
Hacer pipí is what parents say to children and what adults use jokingly. The noun pipí also works: tengo que hacer pipí.
Which one should you use?
Orinar is the correct word in medical or serious contexts. The verb mear exists but is vulgar, so avoid it in polite company.
What mistakes should you avoid?
To ask where the toilet is, do not say pipí. Ask ¿Dónde está el baño? instead.
Did you know?
- In Mexico public restrooms are often called los sanitarios, and you may see this word on signs.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo ir al baño?May I go to the bathroom?
- El doctor me pidió orinar en un frasco.The doctor asked me to pee in a jar.
Example conversation
Sofía and her little son Mateo are on a road trip near Querétaro.
- MateoMamá, tengo que hacer pipí.Mom, I have to pee.
- SofíaYa casi llegamos a la gasolinera.We are almost at the gas station.
- MateoEstá bien, pero rápido.All right, but hurry.
