Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA |
|---|---|
| toilet | /ˈtoi̯lɛt/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| kloset | [ˈklosɛt̚] (narrow) |
| WC |
In Indonesian, the term used depends on whether you are referring to the room, the fixture or the facility. Many households use the term kamar mandi (literally 'bath room') to describe the room where the toilet is located. If you need to specify a public restroom, you should say toilet umum.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the facility and the fixture: toilet generally refers to the room or the facility itself, whereas kloset specifically refers to the physical toilet bowl or the fixture. In urban areas, the abbreviation WC is frequently used to refer to the toilet or restroom.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
WC is a colloquial abbreviation common in spoken Indonesian. For a more informal euphemism, some speakers use Kamar Kecil, which literally translates to 'small room'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtoi̯lɛt/
Did you know?
- When using a toilet umum in Indonesia, you will often find a small plastic scoop or a handheld sprayer called a bidet instead of toilet paper.
- Many public toilet areas in Indonesia require a small payment to a parking or cleaning attendant to gain entry.
- In traditional Indonesian toilet facilities, the kloset is frequently a squatting style rather than a sitting style.
Examples in context
- Tidak ada toilet umum.There isn't a public toilet.This sentence is useful for stating the absence of a toilet.Tatoeba #12752081 by Pacific, translation #11675090 by sundown
- Bisa numpang ke toilet?May I use the toilet?This sentence is useful for asking permission to use the toilet.Tatoeba #8945880 by ngimoel, translation #38930 by CK
- Aku harus pergi ke toilet.I have to go to the toilet.This sentence is useful for expressing a need to use the toilet.Tatoeba #3626628 by Bilmanda, translation #1421916 by CM
- Permisi, di mana toilet umum?Excuse me, where is the public toilet?
- Maaf, boleh tanya, di mana kamar kecil?Sorry, may I ask, where is the restroom?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Rian are at a cafe and Maya needs to find the restroom.
- MayaDi mana toilet di kafe ini?Where is the toilet in this cafe?
- RianToilet ada di sebelah sana, Maya.The toilet is over there, Maya.
- MayaTerima kasih, Rian.Thank you, Rian.
- RianSama-sama.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toilet” translations and entries toilet, kloset, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
