andare in bagno
/anˈda.re in ˈbaɲ.ɲo/word by word
To go to the bathroom in Italian is andare in bagno.
The phrase is used to express the intention of leaving a room to use the toilet.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'to go in bathroom' without the definite article 'the' before the word for bathroom.
Which one should you use?
While andare in bagno is the most standard way to express this, you may also encounter the form andare in toilette.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word bagno is common, but it is slightly more informal than using the words servizi (services) or toilette in very formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this common idiom, the preposition in is used instead of a (to) to express movement into the bathroom.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /anˈda.re in ˈbaɲ.ɲo/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
If you are looking for the location of restrooms, you might look for a sign that says Servizi.
Did you know?
- In very old-fashioned or polite circles, Italians might avoid bagno entirely and use the phrase andare a rinfrescarsi, which means 'to go freshen oneself up'.
- In some Italian regions, you might hear the word WC pronounced as vu-ci. It is a common phonetic adaptation of the English 'Water Closet'.
- The word bagno comes from the Latin balneum, which refers to a bath or a bathing place.
Examples in context
- Devo andare in bagno.I have to go to the bathroom.Tatoeba #1421915 by Guybrush88, translation #1461964 by Spamster
- Posso andare in bagno?May I go to the bathroom?Tatoeba #1238954 by Guybrush88, translation #517397 by CK
- È urgente andare in bagno.It is urgent to go to the bathroom.Tatoeba #5611119 by Guybrush88, translation #3695711 by ggia
- Potrebbe indicarmi dov'è il bagno?Could you tell me where the bathroom is?
- Mi dici dove è il bagno?Can you tell me where the bathroom is?
- Mi scusi, potrebbe indicarmi dov'è il bagno, per favore?Excuse me, could you please tell me where the bathroom is?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are having coffee at a cafe.
- ChiaraScusa, Matteo, devo andare in bagno.Excuse me, Matteo, I have to go to the bathroom.
- MatteoCertamente, Chiara. È in fondo al corridoio.Of course, Chiara. It is at the end of the hallway.
- ChiaraGrazie mille.Thanks a lot.
- MatteoPrego, a dopo.You're welcome, see you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (andare, in, bagno) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andare, bagno, in, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
