What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from トイレ (toilet), に (to), 行って (the te-form of "to go"), もいい (is okay even if) and ですか (a polite question marker).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form トイレに行ってもいいですか is polite and suitable for use with teachers, bosses or strangers. You can make the phrase informal and suitable for friends or family by dropping the ですか to say トイレに行ってもいい？ Additionally, using お手洗い (otearai) instead of トイレ makes the request sound more elegant and indirect, as お手洗い means restroom or washroom.
How does it change in a sentence?
The grammar pattern ~te mo ii desu ka is the standard way to ask for permission to perform an action.
How do you pronounce it?
toire ni ittemo ii desu ka
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use トイレに行きたいです (I want to go to the toilet) to ask for permission. In Japanese, this sounds like a statement of your desire rather than a polite request for permission.
Did you know?
- Japanese public toilets often feature a 'washlet' or electronic bidet with a 'sound mask' button that plays noise to hide the sounds of using the toilet.
- In very formal settings, some people avoid saying 'toilet' or 'restroom' entirely and instead ask to 'excuse themselves' using 中座させていただきます.
- When using お手洗い (otearai), you are literally saying 'hand wash'. This euphemism focuses on the act of washing hands to avoid the more blunt reality of using the toilet.
Examples in context
- トイレに行ってもいいですか。Toire ni ittemo ii desu ka.Can I please go to the toilet?
- すみません、トイレに行ってもいいですか。Sumimasen, toire ni ittemo ii desu ka.Excuse me, can I please go to the toilet?
- 授業の前に、トイレに行ってもいいですか。Jugyō no mae ni, toire ni ittemo ii desu ka.Can I please go to the toilet before class?
Example conversation
A student asks a teacher for permission during a break.
- 健太 Kenta先生、トイレに行ってもいいですか。Sensei, toire ni ittemo ii desu ka.Teacher, can I please go to the toilet?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、いいですよ。Hai, ii desu yo.Yes, you may.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、行ってきなさい。Hai, itte kinasai.Yes, go ahead.
