אפשר ללכת לשירותים?
efshar lalechet lasherutim?
To say 'can I go to the bathroom?' in Hebrew, use אפשר ללכת לשירותים? (efshar lalechet lasherutim?)
This phrase is a polite request used to ask for permission to use the restroom. In Israeli informal speech, it is common to use the word efshar to mean 'may' or 'can' when asking for permission.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Is it possible to go to the bathrooms?'
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form אפשר ללכת לשירותים? is neutral and suitable for most social situations, including classrooms or polite company. Other informal ways to ask the same question include אני יכול\ה ללכת לשירותים? and אני יכול\ה לרוץ לשירותים?
How does it change in a sentence?
The word efshar (אפשר) is an impersonal construction used to ask for permission, rather than using a direct 'can I' structure. Additionally, the word for bathroom, sherutim (שירותים), is almost always used in its plural form when referring to the restroom.
How do you pronounce it?
efshar lalechet lasherutim?
Did you know?
- The word sherutim (שירותים), meaning 'bathrooms', is a plural noun that literally translates to 'services'.
- In an Israeli classroom, simply saying efshar? (אפשר?) while gesturing toward the door is a common, shorthand way to ask for permission to leave for the restroom.
- While sherutim is the standard term, some older generations or very formal signs use the word tualetim (טואלטים), which is a loanword from French and English.
Examples in context
- אפשר ללכת לשירותים?Can I go to the bathroom?
- אני יכול לרוץ לשירותים?Can I run to the bathroom?
- אני מאוד צריכה, אפשר ללכת לשירותים?ani meod tzricha, efshar lalechet lashirutim?I really need to, can I go to the bathroom?
Example conversation
A classroom during a long lecture.
- נועם Noamסליחה, אפשר ללכת לשירותים?slicha, efshar lalechet lashirutim?Excuse me, can I go to the bathroom?
- רוטם Rotemכן, נועם, בטח.ken, noam, betach.Yes, Noam, of course.
- נועם Noamתודה רבה לך.toda raba lach.Thank you very much.
- רוטם Rotemבבקשה, תחזור מהר.bevakasha, tachzor maher.You're welcome, come back quickly.
