Signification
A common question asking for the location of the bathroom.
Contexte culturel
In many older French apartments, the 'toilettes' (the toilet itself) is in a separate tiny room from the 'salle de bain' (the shower/sink). Quebecers often use 'la toilette' in the singular, which is influenced by English 'the toilet'. It is common to use the word 'toilette' but you might also see 'WC' or 'Cour' in very old-fashioned contexts.
Always Plural
Remember: in France, it's always 'les toilettes' (plural). If you say 'la toilette', people will understand but it sounds like you're talking about a 19th-century washbasin.
Public Toilets
Public toilets in Paris (sanisettes) are free, but they lock and clean themselves automatically after every use. Don't try to enter while it's cleaning!
Signification
A common question asking for the location of the bathroom.
Always Plural
Remember: in France, it's always 'les toilettes' (plural). If you say 'la toilette', people will understand but it sounds like you're talking about a 19th-century washbasin.
Public Toilets
Public toilets in Paris (sanisettes) are free, but they lock and clean themselves automatically after every use. Don't try to enter while it's cleaning!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct plural form used in France.
Où ____ les toilettes ?
Since 'toilettes' is plural, you must use the plural verb 'sont'.
Complete the polite phrase.
Excusez-____, où sont les toilettes ?
'Excusez-moi' is the standard way to get someone's attention politely.
Match the phrase to the register.
Which phrase is informal?
Starting with 'C'est où' is a common informal spoken pattern.
Complete the response.
A: Où sont les toilettes ? B: C'est au ____ du couloir.
'Au fond' means 'at the end' or 'at the back', a common location for restrooms.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Restrooms
Public
- • Les toilettes publiques
- • Les WC
- • Les sanisettes
Private
- • La salle de bain
- • Le petit coin
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOù ____ les toilettes ?
Since 'toilettes' is plural, you must use the plural verb 'sont'.
Excusez-____, où sont les toilettes ?
'Excusez-moi' is the standard way to get someone's attention politely.
Which phrase is informal?
Starting with 'C'est où' is a common informal spoken pattern.
A: Où sont les toilettes ? B: C'est au ____ du couloir.
'Au fond' means 'at the end' or 'at the back', a common location for restrooms.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsIt's better to say 'Où sont les WC ?' (plural), though 'Où est le WC ?' is occasionally heard. Plural is always safer.
Not at all, as long as you use 'Excusez-moi' and 'S'il vous plaît'. It's a basic human need!
Expressions liées
Le petit coin
synonymThe little corner
Les WC
synonymThe Water Closet
La salle d'eau
similarThe water room
