carta igienica
feminine
The English phrase 'toilet paper' is carta igienica in Italian. Wiktionary also lists carta da bagno and carta da gabinetto.
Meaning: paper to clean oneself after defecation or urination (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carta igienica | feminine | |
| carta da bagno | /ˈkar.ta da ˈbaɲ.ɲo/ (word by word) | feminine |
| carta da gabinetto | /ˈkar.ta da ɡa.biˈnet.to/ (word by word) | feminine |
All three forms refer to the paper used for cleaning oneself after defecation or urination.
What does it mean word for word?
carta igienica literally translates to 'hygienic paper', while carta da bagno means 'paper for the bathroom'.
Which one should you use?
carta igienica is the most common and standard way to refer to toilet paper in both formal and informal settings. carta da bagno is a slightly more colloquial or descriptive alternative. carta da gabinetto is another way to name the same item.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because carta is a feminine singular noun, the adjective igienica must also be in the feminine singular form.
Did you know?
- In Italy, you will rarely find the 'double-ply' or 'triple-ply' descriptions translated literally. Instead, look for the word doppio or triplo followed by velo, which means 'veil'.
- The adjective igienica is derived from the Greek word hygieinos, which is also the root of the name for the Greek goddess of health, Hygieia.
- The word gabinetto in carta da gabinetto shares an ancestor with the English word 'cabinet', but in Italian it specifically refers to the water closet.
Examples in context
- Non c'è carta igienica.There's no toilet paper.This sentence is useful for stating that there is no toilet paper.Tatoeba #3256496 by Guybrush88, translation #38947 by CK
- Non c'è carta igienica!There's no toilet paper!This sentence is useful for expressing urgency or emphasis that there is no toilet paper.Tatoeba #11742315 by Guybrush88, translation #5803465 by Hybrid
- Non c'era carta igienica.There was no toilet paper.Tatoeba #11742314 by Guybrush88, translation #5803462 by Hybrid
- Mi scusi, dove posso trovare la carta igienica?Excuse me, where can I find the toilet paper?
- Chi ha finito il rotolino di carta igienica?Who finished the toilet paper roll?
- Ho bisogno di comprare della carta igienica.I need to buy some toilet paper.
- Mi puoi passare un rotolino di carta igienica?Can you pass me a toilet paper roll?
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At home, Sofia is looking for supplies in the pantry.
- MatteoSofia, hai visto la carta igienica?Sofia, have you seen the toilet paper?
- SofiaNo, Matteo, non l'ho vista.No, Matteo, I haven't seen it.
- MatteoDobbiamo comprarne un po' al supermercato.We need to buy some at the supermarket.
- SofiaHai ragione, lo scrivo subito nella lista.You're right, I'll write it on the list immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toilet paper” translations and entries carta igienica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (carta, da, bagno, gabinetto) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bagno, carta, da, gabinetto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
