Meaning
A question to ask for the location of the restroom.
Cultural Background
In many traditional Portuguese cafes, the bathroom is located in the basement (cave) or at the very back. Don't be surprised if you have to walk through the kitchen area to find it. Brazilians almost exclusively use 'banheiro'. Using 'casa de banho' will immediately identify you as someone who learned European Portuguese. Angolan Portuguese follows the European standard for this term. 'Casa de banho' is the common and polite way to ask in Luanda. Similar to Portugal and Angola, 'casa de banho' is the standard. In more rural areas, you might hear 'casa de banho' used for very basic facilities as well.
Always be polite
Always start with 'Desculpe' or 'Com licença'. Portuguese culture values these small markers of respect.
Brazil vs Portugal
If you use 'casa de banho' in Brazil, you will be understood, but you will sound very European. Use 'banheiro' there.
Meaning
A question to ask for the location of the restroom.
Always be polite
Always start with 'Desculpe' or 'Com licença'. Portuguese culture values these small markers of respect.
Brazil vs Portugal
If you use 'casa de banho' in Brazil, you will be understood, but you will sound very European. Use 'banheiro' there.
Look for the W.C. sign
In Portugal, signs often just say 'W.C.' (pronounced vê-cê). It's a quick way to find what you need without asking.
Test Yourself
Complete the question to ask for the bathroom in Lisbon.
Desculpe, onde ___ a casa de banho?
'É' (from the verb 'ser') is the standard way to ask for the location of a room in a building.
Which of these is the most common term for a restroom in Portugal?
In a Portuguese cafe, you should look for a sign that says:
'Casa de Banho' is the standard term in Portugal. 'Banheiro' is Brazilian.
Complete the dialogue with the correct article.
Learner: Onde é ___ casa de banho? Waiter: É ali.
'Casa' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'a'.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
Match 'Onde são os lavabos?' with its context.
'Lavabos' is a more formal and elegant term for restrooms.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Restroom Vocabulary
Items
- • Papel higiénico
- • Sabonete
- • Toalha
Fixtures
- • Sanita
- • Lavatório
- • Chuveiro
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDesculpe, onde ___ a casa de banho?
'É' (from the verb 'ser') is the standard way to ask for the location of a room in a building.
In a Portuguese cafe, you should look for a sign that says:
'Casa de Banho' is the standard term in Portugal. 'Banheiro' is Brazilian.
Learner: Onde é ___ casa de banho? Waiter: É ali.
'Casa' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'a'.
Match 'Onde são os lavabos?' with its context.
'Lavabos' is a more formal and elegant term for restrooms.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Portugal, it is generally considered polite to buy at least a small coffee (um café) before using the facilities of a private business.
You will be understood, but it's not the local word. It's better to use 'casa de banho' to sound more natural.
It stands for Water Closet, an old British term. It is very common on signs throughout Portugal.
It is feminine because 'casa' is feminine. You say 'a casa de banho'.
You say 'A casa de banho está ocupada'.
In some train stations and shopping areas, yes. Usually, it costs around 50 cents.
'Casa de banho' is the standard term; 'lavabos' is more formal and often refers specifically to the area with sinks.
Some people might say 'o trono' (the throne) jokingly, but it's not common in public.
Look for 'Homens' (Men) or 'Senhoras' (Ladies). You can ask 'Onde é a casa de banho das senhoras?'.
It's a traditional way of naming rooms, like 'casa de jantar' (dining room). It treats each room as a specific 'house' of an activity.
Related Phrases
Com licença
similarExcuse me / With your permission
Desculpe
similarSorry / Excuse me
Onde fica...?
builds onWhere is [located]...?
Vou à casa de banho
specialized formI am going to the bathroom
