What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as follows: 我 (wǒ) means "I", 可以 (kěyǐ) means "can", 去 (qù) means "go", 洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān) means "wash-hand-room" and 吗 (ma) is a question particle.
Which one should you use?
洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān) refers specifically to a "washroom" or "restroom". In contrast, the term 厕所 (cèsuǒ) is a more blunt, informal term for "toilet" or "latrine".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a slightly more indirect and polite way to express your intent in social settings, you can say 我想去一下洗手间 (wǒ xiǎng qù yīxià xǐshǒujiān), which translates to "I would like to go to the restroom for a moment".
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 吗 is added to the end of a statement to turn it into a yes/no question.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ kěyǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?
When do people say it?
Adding Qǐngwèn (Excuse me) before your question demonstrates good manners in Chinese culture.
Did you know?
- In some regions, if you are a guest in someone's home, it is better to ask 可以方便一下吗? (kěyǐ fāngbiàn yīxià ma?), which translates to 'Can I be a bit convenient?', to avoid being too blunt.
- In some formal settings, a person might simply say 我离开一下 (wǒ líkāi yīxià), meaning 'I will leave for a moment', without mentioning the bathroom at all.
- In traditional Chinese culture, discussing bodily functions is often avoided, leading to a vast array of indirect phrases to avoid saying 'toilet' directly.
Examples in context
- 我可以去洗手间吗？Wǒ kěyǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?May I go to the bathroom?
- 老师，我可以去洗手间吗？Lǎoshī, wǒ kěyǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?Teacher, may I go to the bathroom?
- 请问，我可以去洗手间吗？Qǐngwèn, wǒ kěyǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?Excuse me, may I go to the bathroom?
Example conversation
During a quiet study session at a library.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨婷，我可以去洗手间吗？Yǔtíng, wǒ kěyǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?Yuting, may I go to the bathroom?
- 雨婷 Yuting可以，洗手间在走廊尽头。Kěyǐ, xǐshǒujiān zài zǒuláng jìntóu.Yes, the bathroom is at the end of the hallway.
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢你。Xièxiè nǐ.Thank you.
- 雨婷 Yuting不客气。Bù kèqì.You're welcome.
