ir al baño
/iɾ al baɲo/from spelling rules
To say "go to the restroom" in Spanish, use ir al baño.
The phrase ir al baño is the standard, most common way to express the need to use the toilet in almost all Spanish-speaking contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ir (to go), the contraction al (to the) and baño (bathroom/restroom).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people commonly say ¿Dónde está el sanitario? to ask for the restroom.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I am going to the restroom", you conjugate the verb ir to the first person singular voy. To turn the phrase into a question, you can simply use rising intonation or add a question mark, often preceded by a verb like querer (to want).
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ al baɲo/
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a linguistic puzzle called a suppletive verb, meaning its different tenses come from entirely different Latin roots. The present tense voy comes from vādere, while the past tense fui comes from esse.
- The word baño has its roots in Ancient Greek, specifically from the word balaneîon, which was used to describe a bath or a place of washing.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word baño is used for any room with a toilet, whether it has a bathtub or not.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo ir al baño?May I go to the restroom?This sentence is useful for asking permission to use the restroom with the form ir al baño.Tatoeba #1783097 by marcelostockle, translation #517399 by CK
- Perdón, ¿podría decirme dónde está el baño?Excuse me, could you please tell me where the restroom is?
- Disculpe, ¿podría indicarme dónde se encuentra el baño?Pardon me, would you be able to indicate where the restroom is located?
- Oye, ¿sabes dónde está el servicio?Hey, do you know where the restroom is?
- Perdona, ¿dónde puedo ir al baño?Excuse me, but where can I go to the bathroom?
- Tengo que ir al baño ahora mismo.I have to go to the restroom right now.
- Ella necesita ir al baño un momento.She needs to go to the restroom for a moment.
Example conversation
At a restaurant during a meal.
- LucíaMateo, ¿podemos pedir la cuenta?Mateo, can we ask for the bill?
- MateoSí, pero primero voy a ir al baño.Yes, but first I am going to go to the restroom.
- LucíaEstá bien, te espero aquí.That's fine, I'll wait for you here.
- MateoGracias, Lucía, vuelvo enseguida.Thanks, Lucía, I'll be right back.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baño, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
