What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of comment (how), aller (to go), aux (to the) and toilettes (toilets).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While comment aller aux toilettes is a grammatically correct way to ask for directions, you can use more formal versions depending on the setting. Comment se rendre aux toilettes ? is a polite way to ask for directions, and Pourriez-vous m'indiquer où sont les toilettes ? (Could you tell me where the bathrooms are?) is also formal. For an informal setting, you might say T'as une idée d'où sont les toilettes ? (Do you have any idea where the bathrooms are?). In very formal settings like a restaurant or public building, you may use les sanitaires instead of les toilettes to sound more indirect or polite, as in Où sont les sanitaires ?
How does it change in a sentence?
Although comment aller aux toilettes is correct, the most common and natural way to ask for the location of a restroom is Où sont les toilettes ?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the singular form la toilette to refer to the restroom. In French, la toilette usually refers to the act of washing oneself or a person's grooming routine.
When do people say it?
In French, the word for restroom is almost always used in the plural form, les toilettes.
Did you know?
- In France, it is often considered impolite to ask for 'the bathroom' in a private home. Instead, people use the phrase le petit coin meaning 'the little corner' to be more discreet.
- In Quebec, it is more common to use the word la salle de bain for a restroom, whereas in France this term refers strictly to a room with a bathtub or shower.
- The word toilettes comes from the word for 'cloth' because people used to use a cloth to cover the basin or clean themselves.
Examples in context
- Pouvez-vous me dire comment aller aux toilettes ?Can you tell me how to go to the bathroom?
Example conversation
Hugo is at a restaurant and asks Chloé for help.
- HugoChloé, est-ce que tu sais comment aller aux toilettes ?Chloé, do you know how to go to the bathroom?
- ChloéOui, c'est tout au fond du couloir.Yes, it is at the very end of the hallway.
- HugoC'est juste à côté de la sortie ?Is it right next to the exit?
- ChloéNon, tu dois tourner à gauche.No, you have to turn left.
