How do you say ‘Can I go to the bathroom?’ in French? – We say:
- Est-ce que je peux aller aux toilettes ?
Do you know all the words and phrases to describe the bathroom-related actions? Maybe not…
If you read the article you’ll know ALL you need to know to make descriptions in French.
I’m Thomas Ricomard, I teach French through this blog with +200 articles.
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I grew up with six brothers. That’s how I learned to dance – waiting for the bathroom.
Bob Hope
Asking permission to use the restroom in French
Key phrases for bathroom requests
Here are a few phrases you can use to politely ask permission to go to the bathroom:
Correct pronunciation and accent tips
Here’s some advice on French pronunciation and tips on how to speak naturally:
How to pronounce vowels?
- Listen to native speakers Listen to and imitate native speakers and reproduce the way they speak (intonations and sounds).
- Distinguish between vowels There are two types of vowels: nasal and oral. For example, on and an.
How to pronounce the consonants?
- Les liaisons Les liaisons are important in French. It’s easier for a native speaker to understand you if you make the lisaisons than if you don’t, even if you’ll still be understood. For example, les amis is pronounced les zami.
- Consonants at the end of words Some consonants at the end of words are not pronounced. For example, petit is pronounced peti.
How to speak naturally?
- Speak French regularly Regular practice is very important. I recommend that you speak with native French speakers as often as possible.
- Active listening Active listening will help you integrate different ways of pronouncing and correct your mistakes.
To remember
If you are a beginner, I suggest you to learn a clear and simple sentence before moving on to more complex sentences. You can use this one everytime:
- S’il vous plaît, où sont les toilettes ? (Please, where are the toilet?)
Mastering French customary code of polite behavior for restroom usage
Cultural differences in restroom etiquette
Standards of toilet behavior are a manifestation of our culture. Here’s a look at how French norms compare with those of other cultures:
France
In other cultures
Handling emergencies politely
Here are some tips on how to communicate politely while expressing urgent needs:
- The language
- The politeness formulas: introduce what you want to say by Excusez-moi, s’il vous plaît or Je vous prie de m’excuser. (‘Excuse me, please.’ or ‘I beg you to excuse me.’)
- Try as much as possible to be clear in your communication. Do not use words with an emotional connotation but neutral terms.
- Be discreet
- In a public institution, discreetly ask a member of staff.
- The use of non-verbal signals is sometimes easier than verbally formulating one’s needs.
- Observe your environment
- Choose the appropriate moment to report your emergency.
- Be calm so as not to stress others.
- Know how to express the urgency without embarrassing others
- An example of what you can say: C’est urgent, pourriez-vous me dire où sont les toilettes, s’il vous plait? (It’s urgent, could you tell me where the toilet is, please?)
- Don’t go into details. Stay focused on solving your problem.
- Thank you
- You can say: Merci beaucoup de votre compréhension et de votre aide. (Thank you very much for your understanding and your help.)
- If your urgency has embarrassed someone, consider asking for a polite apology.
Exercise
What are the customary codes of polite behavior for the use of toilets in your country? Write it in the comments in French. I’ll correct the language if needed.
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I’ve been singing Shakira songs in front of my bathroom mirror into my hairbrush forever. It’s like a daily routine.
Taylor Swift
Learning French restroom vocabulary
Basic restroom vocabulary
What can you find in the bathroom?
What can you do?
What can you do related to the toilet?
Personal care routines
What other actions can you do?
Click on these videos to see the vocabulary with pictures.
Advanced vocabulary for specific situations
Personal hygiene
Hair care
Skin care
Accessories
Exercise
Describe in French, in a few sentences, the actions you do in the bathroom in the morning. Write it in the comments. I’ll correct the language if needed.
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Navigating restroom signs in French
Common restroom signs
Le pictogramme pour les toilettes
(the pictogram for the toilet)
La femme (woman) et l’homme (man)
L’homme (man) et la femme (woman)
Les toilettes pour les personnes handicapées
(toilets for disabled people)
–La pièce pour faire la toilette aux enfants (the room to wash the children)
-Changer bébé / Table à langer
Le pictogramme pour la douche
(the pictogram for the shower)
Interpreting hygiene and usage instructions
Here are behaviors to follow to keep good hygiene for all users:
(Put the feminine hygiene items in the trash can provided for this purpose)
Exercise
What do the pictograms look like in your country? Write it in French in the comments. I’ll correct if needed.
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FAQ
How do I ask for the bathroom in French?
Où sont les toilettes s’il vous plaît ? (Where are the toilets, please?)
Excuse-moi, où sont les toilettes ? (Excuse me, where are the toilets?)
Où sont les WC ? (Where are the toilets?)
Je cherche les toilettes, s’il vous plaît ? (I’m looking for the toilets, please?)
Is there a colloquial way to ask for the bathroom in French?
Où sont les chiottes ? (Where are the toilets?)
Can you translate ‘May I use the restroom?’ to French?
The translation in French is Puis-je utiliser les toilettes ?
Well done, you made it to the end.
Let a comment below if you wish!
Thomas, your teacher 🙂
Resources
https://www.vogue.fr/lifestyle/voyages/diaporama/les-plus-belles-salles-de-bain-dhotels/42466
https://www.marieclaire.fr/maison/salle-de-bains,2615581.asp1