An bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas?
The English phrase 'can I go to the bathroom' is translated into Irish as An bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas?
This phrase is a polite request used to ask for permission to use the restroom.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Is there permission I have to go to the toilet?'
Which one should you use?
In Irish, you ask for 'permission' (cead) rather than using the verb 'to be able to' (is féidir) when requesting to leave a room or perform an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the structure An bhfuil cead agam… which is the standard way to ask 'Do I have permission…?'
Did you know?
- The Irish word for toilet leithreas is historically related to the Old Irish word leithlechas which means 'separation' or 'isolation'.
- In some traditional Irish contexts, requesting 'permission' cead was a strict social requirement when addressing elders or teachers.
- While leithreas is the standard term, many Irish speakers use the English loanword toilet in casual conversation.
Example conversation
Cian is in a classroom with his teacher Siobhán.
- CianSiobhán, an bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas?Siobhán, can I go to the bathroom?
- SiobhánTá, ach bí cipYes, but be quick
- CianGo raibh agatThank you
- SiobhánNí neopreneNo problem
