トイレをお借りできますか？
toire o okari dekimasu ka?
To say "can I use the bathroom" in Japanese, use トイレをお借りできますか？ (toire o okari dekimasu ka?)
This phrase is a polite request used to ask for permission to use a restroom.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase トイレをお借りできますか？ literally translates to "Can I borrow the toilet?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more casual approach, you can use トイレ使ってもいいですか？ If you need a formal way to ask, you can say Sumimasen, toire ga tsukaemasu ka?
How do you pronounce it?
toire o okari dekimasu ka?
Did you know?
- Many Japanese restrooms feature a 'washlet' with a button for 'Otohime' or 'Sound Courtesy', which plays a recording of flushing water to mask private noises.
- Public bathrooms in Japan often have a distinct 'toilet slipper' system where you must switch from indoor slippers to specific restroom slippers before entering.
- If you are in a very formal setting, such as a high-end restaurant, you might hear the phrase 化粧室をお借りできますか? (keshoshitsu o okari dekimasu ka?), which refers to a 'powder room' or '化粧室' (化粧室).
Examples in context
- トイレをお借りできますか？toire o okari dekimasu ka?Can I use the bathroom?
- すみません、トイレをお借りできますか？sumimasen, toire o okari dekimasu ka?Excuse me, can I use the bathroom?
- こちらでトイレをお借りできますか？kochira de toire o okari dekimasu ka?Can I use the bathroom here?
Example conversation
Himari is visiting Kenta's house for the first time.
- 陽葵 Himariあの、トイレをお借りできますか？ano, toire o okari dekimasu ka?Um, can I use the bathroom?
- 健太 Kentaはい、もちろんです。hai, mochiron desu.Yes, of course.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 健太 Kentaどうぞ。douzo.Please, go ahead.
