klósett
[ˈkʰlouːsɛht]neuter
The Icelandic word for toilet is klósett.
The word refers to a fixture used for urination and defecation.
Meaning: fixture used for urination and defecation (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter noun klósett changes based on its role in a sentence. The definite form is klósettið (the toilet). Use the accusative form klósetti when it is the direct object of a verb, such as when cleaning it. Use the dative form klósettinu after certain prepositions, such as úr (from).
Did you know?
- The word klósett is actually an English loanword in disguise, having traveled from the English 'closet' into German and Danish before arriving in Icelandic.
- Unlike many other languages that have a single euphemism for 'toilet', Icelandic often uses the direct word klósett in most social situations without it being considered vulgar.
- In very formal or medical contexts, you may see the term salerni, which is a more traditional Germanic word for a latrine.
Examples in context
- Ást er ást, vatn er vatn, en þú myndir ekki drekka úr klósettinu.Love is love, water is water, but you wouldn't drink from the toilet.This sentence uses klósett to illustrate a comparison regarding water.Tatoeba #11032091 by nipbud, translation #11032093 by nipbud
- Má ég nota á klósettið?May I use the toilet?This sentence uses klósett to ask permission to use the facility.Tatoeba #827622 by Swift, translation #38930 by CK
- Klósettið var úti í garðinum.The toilet was outside, in the yard.This sentence uses klósett to describe the location of the fixture.Tatoeba #827616 by Swift, translation #38934 by Zifre
- Viltu vinsamlegast vísa mér leið í salernið?Could you please show me the way to the toilet?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katrín and Sigurður are visiting a new house.
- KatrínHvar er klósettinu?Where is the toilet?
- SigurðurÞað er inni í gangnum.It is inside the hallway.
- KatrínTakk, ég þarf að nota klósettið.Thanks, I need to use the toilet.
- SigurðurEngin máli, farðu bara inn.No problem, just go in.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toilet” translations and entries klósett, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries klósett, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
