bacinica
/baθiˈnika/feminine
The Spanish word for potty is bacinica. Wiktionary also lists bacín.
Meaning: children's chamberpot (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bacinica | /baθiˈnika/ /basiˈnika/ |
feminine |
| bacín | /baˈθin/ /baˈsin/ |
masculine |
The term refers to a children's chamberpot.
Which one should you use?
The language provides two forms: the masculine bacín and the feminine bacinica.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term retrete is often used to refer to the toilet.
How do you pronounce it?
/baθiˈnika/
Did you know?
- The word bacín is historically linked to the 'bacinet', a type of open-faced helmet from the Middle Ages, because both shared the same bowl-like shape.
- While bacinica is common, some parents use the word tronito as a cute alternative, which literally translates to 'little throne'.
- In various Spanish-speaking cultures, the transition from a bacinica to a 'potty seat' is often called dejar el pañal, meaning 'leaving the diaper'.
Examples in context
- Voy al aseoI'm going to the bathroom
- Necesito ir al bañoI need to go to the bathroom
- Voy al retreteI'm going to the toilet
- ¿Dónde está el servicio?Where is the bathroom?
- Hey, ¿dónde está el servicio?Hey, where is the bathroom?
- La bacinica es de color azul.The potty is blue.
- Debes lavar la bacinica con jabón.You must wash the potty with soap.
- Necesitamos comprar una bacinica nueva.We need to buy a new potty.
Example conversation
A couple is preparing the baby's room.
- Alejandro¿Dónde pusiste la bacinica?Where did you put the potty?
- LucíaLa bacinica está en el cuarto.The potty is in the room.
- AlejandroEstá muy cerca de la cuna.It is very close to the crib.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, Alejandro.Don't worry, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “potty” translations and entries bacinica, bacín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
