papier toilette
/pa.pje twa.lɛt/masculine
The English phrase toilet paper is expressed in French as papier toilette. Wiktionary also lists torche-cul and papier hygiénique.
Meaning: paper to clean oneself after defecation or urination (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| papier toilette | /pa.pje twa.lɛt/ | masculine |
| torche-cul | /tɔʁ.ʃ(ə).ky/ | vulgar |
| papier hygiénique | /pa.pje i.ʒje.nik/ | masculine |
| papier-cul | masculine | |
| PQ | /pe.ky/ | masculine |
| papier de toilette | /pa.pje də twa.lɛt/ | Canada, masculine |
This refers to the paper used for cleaning oneself after defecation or urination.
Which one should you use?
While 'papier toilette' is the standard term in France, 'papier de toilette' is the preferred form in Canada.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Papier hygiénique is the most widely used term for toilet paper in formal situations. Papier toilette is an acceptable term in formal contexts. The acronym PQ is a very common, informal way to say toilet paper in everyday spoken French. If you are in a very casual environment or among friends, you might also hear papier chiotte. The term torche-cul is a vulgar slang term for toilet paper.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, papier de toilette is commonly used instead of papier hygiénique.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are masculine nouns.
Did you know?
- The word toilette comes from toile, meaning 'cloth'. It originally referred to the small cloth draped over a dressing table where people performed their grooming rituals.
- In very informal or crude settings, you may hear the term torche-cul, which literally translates to 'butt torch'.
- The common acronym PQ is pronounced by its individual letters in French, rather than as a single word.
Examples in context
- Il n'y a plus de PQ !There's no toilet paper!This sentence is useful for expressing that there is no more of the item using the informal PQ.Tatoeba #5804811 by Yemana, translation #5803465 by Hybrid
- Il n'y avait pas de PQ.There was no toilet paper.This sentence is useful for expressing a past lack of the item using the informal PQ.Tatoeba #5804808 by Yemana, translation #5803462 by Hybrid
- Il n'y a pas de papier toilette.There's no toilet paper.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of the item using the standard papier toilette.Tatoeba #936843 by sacredceltic, translation #38947 by CK
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me dire où je peux trouver du papier hygiénique?Excuse me, could you tell me where I can find some toilet paper?
- Je suis désolé, auriez-vous du papier toilette?I'm sorry, do you have any toilet paper?
- Pourriez-vous m'indiquer où je peux trouver du papier WC?Could you please tell me where I can find some toilet paper?
- T'as pas du PQ?Do you have any toilet paper?
- Je suis à court de papier hygiénique.I'm out of toilet paper.
- Avez-vous du papier toilette ici?Do you have any toilet paper here?
- Pourriez-vous me prêter du papier toilette?Could you lend me some toilet paper?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are at a supermarket.
- ChloéHugo, n'oublie pas le papier toilette.Hugo, don't forget the toilet paper.
- HugoD'accord, je le mets dans le chariot.Okay, I'll put it in the cart.
- ChloéPrends aussi des serviettes en papier.Get some paper towels too.
- HugoC'est noté, je m'en occupe.Got it, I'll take care of it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toilet paper” translations and entries papier toilette, torche-cul, papier hygiénique, PQ, papier de toilette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries papier, toilette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
