váter turco
/bateɾ tuɾko/from spelling rules
The English phrase "squat toilet" is translated into Spanish as váter turco.
The term refers to a toilet that is used while squatting.
Meaning: toilet which is used while squatting (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "Turkish toilet".
How do you pronounce it?
/bateɾ tuɾko/
Did you know?
- The word váter in Spanish is actually a 'pseudo-anglicism' that arrived via French. It comes from an abbreviation of the English phrase 'water closet'.
- The use of turco in this phrase is part of a wider European linguistic trend where various countries attributed the squatting style to the Ottoman Empire.
- In many Latin American countries, calling a toilet váter turco might sound strangely formal or even confusing, as many people prefer the term inodoro or simply baño for the fixture itself.
Examples in context
- El hotel cuenta con inodoros turcos.The hotel has squat toilets.
- No estoy acostumbrada al váter turco.I am not used to the squat toilet.
- En este hotel hay un váter turco.There is a squat toilet in this hotel.
- Prefiero el váter convencional al váter turco.I prefer the conventional toilet to the squat toilet.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are checking into a small hostel.
- Sofía¿El baño tiene váter turco?Does the bathroom have a squat toilet?
- AlejandroSí, Sofía, es un váter turco.Yes, Sofía, it is a squat toilet.
- SofíaEs un poco incómodo para mí.It is a bit uncomfortable for me.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, te acostumbrarás pronto.Don't worry, you will get used to it soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries turco, váter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
