pipí
/piˈpi/
The English phrase "pee pee" is translated into Spanish as pipí.
pipí is a childish word used to refer to urine or the act of urinating. To express the act of urinating using this term, you use the phrase hacer pipí, which literally means "to do a pee".
Which one should you use?
While pipí is a childish term, orina is the formal, medical term for urine. For a more sophisticated and formal way to say "to urinate" or "urination", you can use miccionar.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pipí is an informal, childish term used by children or when speaking to children.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, a colloquial way to say "pee pee" is hacer pis.
How do you pronounce it?
/piˈpi/
Did you know?
- The word pipí is considered an onomatopoeia, meaning it is thought to mimic the sound of a liquid trickling or a repetitive rhythmic sound.
- The formal term miccionar is so technical that using it in a casual social setting would be perceived as an intentional, clinical joke.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, adults continue to use pipí when speaking to pets, regardless of the animal's age.
Examples in context
- Mamá, tengo que hacer pipíMom, I have to pee
- Espérame un momento, tengo ganas de hacer pipíWait for me a moment, I need to pee
- Tengo ganas de hacer pis, ¿hay un baño cerca?I need to pee, is there a restroom nearby?
- El bebé quiere hacer pipí.The baby wants to pee pee.
- ¿Dónde puedo hacer pipí?Where can I pee pee?
- Tengo muchas ganas de hacer pipí.I really need to pee pee.
Example conversation
A mother and her young son are at a playground.
- LucíaMateo, ¿tienes que hacer pipí?Mateo, do you need to pee pee?
- MateoSí, mamá, tengo mucho pipí.Yes, mom, I have a lot of pee pee.
- LucíaVamos rápido al baño.Let's go to the bathroom quickly.
- Mateo¡Vale, vamos!Okay, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pipí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pipí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
