el váter
Spain, informal
In Spain the toilet itself is usually el váter, and el inodoro is the neutral technical word. El retrete is older and more formal.
Meaning: toilet fixture (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| el váter | Spain, informal |
| el inodoro | neutral |
| el retrete | formal |
Váter comes from the English "water closet" and is written váter or wáter. You also see WC on signs.
Which one should you use?
These words name the toilet itself. To ask where the bathroom is, use los servicios or el aseo instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America inodoro or taza are more common, and váter sounds Spanish from Spain.
Did you know?
- Spanish váter was borrowed from the English "water closet".
Examples in context
- El váter no funciona.The toilet does not work.
- Hay que limpiar el inodoro.The toilet needs cleaning.
- Tira de la cadena, por favor.Flush, please.
Example conversation
Lola tells the landlord about a problem in her flat in Madrid.
- LolaEl váter pierde agua.The toilet is leaking water.
- Casero¿Desde cuándo?Since when?
- LolaDesde ayer por la noche.Since last night.
- CaseroMañana viene el fontanero.The plumber comes tomorrow.
