Inklingo

How to Say "to urinate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

orinar

oh-ree-NARo.ɾiˈnaɾ

verbA2biological function
Use 'orinar' for the general biological function of urination, suitable for most everyday and medical contexts.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small, happy brown dog lifting its hind leg to urinate near a small green bush.

Examples

El paciente necesita orinar con frecuencia.

The patient needs to urinate frequently.

El bebé necesita orinar cada dos horas.

The baby needs to urinate every two hours.

Si bebes mucha agua, orinarás frecuentemente.

If you drink a lot of water, you will pee frequently.

El doctor le preguntó si estaba orinando con dolor.

The doctor asked him if he was urinating painfully.

A Regular Verb

Since 'orinar' is a regular -AR verb, it follows the most common conjugation patterns, making it easy to master once you know the basic endings.

Using the wrong term for politeness

Mistake: “Using 'orinar' in a very casual or public setting where a euphemism is expected.”

Correction: In polite conversation, especially when asking for the restroom, use 'ir al baño' (to go to the bathroom) or 'hacer mis necesidades' (to take care of my needs).

mear

meh-ARmeˈaɾ

verbA2formal, medical
Use 'mear' in informal, colloquial settings, similar to 'to pee' in English. Avoid it in formal or medical writing.
A small, happy brown dog is shown lifting its back leg to urinate a visible yellow stream onto a bright red fire hydrant.

Examples

Tengo que mear, ¿dónde está el baño?

I have to pee, where is the bathroom?

Necesito parar el coche urgentemente, tengo que mear.

I urgently need to stop the car; I have to pee.

¿Dónde está el baño? Mi perro quiere mear.

Where is the bathroom? My dog wants to pee.

Dicen que el bebé se meó en la cama otra vez.

They say the baby wet the bed again (literally: peed himself in the bed).

Regular -AR Verb

This verb follows the easiest conjugation pattern in Spanish, just like 'hablar' or 'cantar'. Memorize the endings for the present tense (-o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an).

Choosing the Right Word

Mistake: “Using 'mear' in a formal medical setting.”

Correction: In formal or clinical settings, use 'orinar' instead. 'Mear' is for everyday life, family, and friends.

Formality is Key

The most common mistake is using 'mear' in formal or medical situations where 'orinar' would be appropriate. While 'mear' is widely understood, it carries a distinctly informal, even crude, connotation.

Related Translations

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