pipi
/pi.pi/
The English phrase 'peepee' is translated into French as pipi.
pipi is a childish or very informal term used to refer to urine or the act of urinating, functioning much like 'pee-pee' in English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word pipi is considered childish or very informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the act of urinating, use the expression faire pipi. This uses the verb faire (to do or make) rather than a single specific verb for the action.
How do you pronounce it?
/pi.pi/
Did you know?
- French has a distinct word, pipi de chat, which literally means 'cat pee' but is used idiomatically to describe a very small or insignificant amount of something.
- The term pipi is an onomatopoeic reduplication of the vulgar verb pisser, effectively softening a harsh word into a nursery term through repetition.
- Even adults will switch to using pipi when speaking to their pets to indicate it is time for a bathroom break.
Examples in context
- Je dois uriner . Où sont les toilettes ?I need to pee. Where are the restrooms?
- Attends-moi, je vais faire pipi avant de partir.Wait for me, I'm going to pee before leaving.
- Tu as fait pipi dans ton lit ?Did you pee in your bed?
- Je dois faire un petit pipi.I need to go pee.
Example conversation
A mother is talking to her toddler at home.
- LéaHugo, tu veux faire pipi ?Hugo, do you want to pee?
- HugoNon, je ne veux pas.No, I don't want to.
- LéaMais tu as une couche pleine.But you have a full diaper.
- HugoD'accord, on y va.Okay, let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pipi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pipi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
