bidet
masculine
The Italian word for "bidet" is bidet. If unsure, use bidet. Wiktionary also lists bidè.
Meaning: low-mounted plumbing fixture for cleaning the genitalia and anus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bidet | masculine | |
| bidè | /biˈdɛ/ | masculine |
The term refers to the low-mounted plumbing fixture used for cleaning the genitalia and anus. When describing the act of using the fixture, Italians commonly use the reflexive phrase farmi il bidet, which literally translates to "making myself the bidet" to express using it for oneself.
Which one should you use?
The language provides two forms: bidè and bidet. Il bidet is the most common way to refer to a bidet in Italian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, and it is used with the masculine definite article il.
Did you know?
- The word bidet actually means 'little horse' in French. This is because the original basin was shaped like a saddle and the user straddled it just like riding a pony.
- Despite being a common household item, talking about using the bidet in polite Italian company is often considered a way to signal extreme intimacy or even a lack of modesty.
- Despite the global spread of the fixture, Italy remains one of the few countries where a standalone bidet is a standard requirement in almost every residential home.
Examples in context
- Vado un attimo a farmi il bidet.I'm just going to use the bidet.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are going to use the bidet.Tatoeba #13875139 by Nuel, translation #13875137 by Nuel
- Sai dove si trova il bidet?Do you know where the bidet is?
- Il bidet in questa stanza è rotto.The bidet in this room is broken.
- Devo pulire il bidet oggi.I have to clean the bidet today.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are cleaning their new apartment.
- MartinaHai pulito il bidet?Did you clean the bidet?
- AlessandroNo, lo pulisco dopo.No, I will clean it later.
- MartinaVa bene, allora pulisci anche il lavandino.Okay, then clean the sink too.
- AlessandroD'accordo, faccio tutto subito.Alright, I'll do everything right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bidet” translations and entries bidè, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
