Meaning
A common question asking for the location of a toilet.
Cultural Background
Most Iranian bathrooms have a hose (shattaf) for washing with water. Using only toilet paper is considered unhygienic by many. The 'Iranian toilet' is a squat toilet. If you need a Western-style seat, ask for 'Tualet-e Farangi'. It is polite to say 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) before and sometimes after using the bathroom if you are in a small group. In Dari (Persian of Afghanistan), 'Tashnab' is the more common word for bathroom/toilet.
Always use 'Bebakhshid'
Iranians value politeness. Starting with 'Excuse me' makes the question much more natural.
Squat vs. Seated
Be prepared for squat toilets in public parks or older buildings. Look for 'Farangi' if you need a seat.
Meaning
A common question asking for the location of a toilet.
Always use 'Bebakhshid'
Iranians value politeness. Starting with 'Excuse me' makes the question much more natural.
Squat vs. Seated
Be prepared for squat toilets in public parks or older buildings. Look for 'Farangi' if you need a seat.
The 'Ve-Se' shortcut
If you forget the long word, just say 'Ve-Se' (W.C.). Most young people and city dwellers use it.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct word for 'where is'.
ببخشید، دستشویی ...؟
'Kojaast' means 'where is'. 'Chist' is 'what is' and 'Kist' is 'who is'.
Which phrase is the most formal?
Which one should you use in a business meeting?
'Seroois-e behdashti' is the most formal and polite term.
Match the Persian word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase and its variations.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Guest: ببخشید، دستشویی کجاست؟ Host: ...
The host should provide directions. 'Entehaye rahro' means 'at the end of the hallway'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Bathrooms
Public
- • Seroois-e Behdashti
- • Dastshooee Omoomi
Private
- • Dastshooee
- • Hammam
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، دستشویی ...؟
'Kojaast' means 'where is'. 'Chist' is 'what is' and 'Kist' is 'who is'.
Which one should you use in a business meeting?
'Seroois-e behdashti' is the most formal and polite term.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the phrase and its variations.
Guest: ببخشید، دستشویی کجاست؟ Host: ...
The host should provide directions. 'Entehaye rahro' means 'at the end of the hallway'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is the standard polite word. You don't need to use 'Seroois-e behdashti' with friends.
Most Iranian bathrooms use water (a hose). It's a good idea to carry tissues just in case, but water is the norm.
Yes, but it's very direct. It's like saying 'Where is the toilet?' versus 'Where is the restroom?'.
You can say 'Pore' (It's full) or 'Kasi dakhele' (Someone is inside).
Related Phrases
سرویس بهداشتی
synonymRestroom / Health service
توالت فرنگی
specialized formWestern-style toilet
حمام
similarBathroom (for showering)
آبریزگاه
specialized formUrinal / Old-style toilet
