What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Можно в туалет? translates to "Is it allowed into the toilet?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Можно в туалет? is an informal and direct way to ask. While very common, in highly formal settings, one might use more indirect language. For more formal options, you can use Можно ли мне воспользоваться туалетом? or Позвольте мне воспользоваться туалетом, пожалуйста. Conversely, in very informal settings, you might say Можно мне в туалет? or Ты не против, если я воспользуюсь туалетом?
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Можно functions as "it is possible" or "it is permitted", which makes the sentence a request for permission without needing to include the subject "I".
How do you pronounce it?
Mozhno v tualet?
When do people say it?
When someone asks to use the bathroom, a common way to respond is Да, конечно (meaning "Yes, of course").
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word туалет can refer to both the physical restroom and the act of dressing up for a formal event.
- While Можно в туалет? is common, a Russian speaker might avoid the word туалет entirely in a restaurant and instead ask for the уборная, which literally means 'cleaning room'.
- The word туалет was borrowed from the French 'toilettes', which originally referred to the dressing table and the process of preparing one's appearance.
Examples in context
- Подскажите, можно в туалет?Podskazhite, mozhno v tualet?Could you tell me, can I use the bathroom?
- Мария, можно в туалет?Mariya, mozhno v tualet?Maria, can I use the bathroom?
Example conversation
At a small cafe, Maria asks the waiter for permission.
- Мария MariaИзвините, можно в туалет?Izvinite, mozhno v tualet?Excuse me, can I use the bathroom?
- Александр AleksandrДа, конечно. Он в конце коридора.Da, konechno. On v kontse koridora.Yes, of course. It is at the end of the hallway.
- Мария MariaСпасибо большое.Spasibo bol'shoye.Thank you very much.
- Александр AleksandrПожалуйста.Pozhaluysta.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries в, можно, туалет, CC BY-SA 4.0.
