Can you say 'bathroom' in public places when asking where is the bathroom?

“Bathroom” is fine. “Restroom” is sometimes seen as a more polite alternative in the US, but I use them interchangeably. At least in the US, no one will ever tell you something isn’t a "bath"room because it doesn’t have a bath except a realtor.

Yes, although some people will say restroom

In the UK we just say toilet but we'd absolutely accept (and use) bathroom. Restroom would be understood, but natives don't say it. Loo is also very common Iin the UK.

In the US, "bathroom" is probably the most common word for this situation. "Restroom" is also common. I believe the UK is more likely to use "toilet" or "lavatory" but I can't say that with much conviction.

At least in the US, bathroom and restroom are used interchangeably. It's perfectly normal and pretty common to ask where the bathroom is when you're asking for a public toilet (with no bath or shower)

Yes. Bathroom is probably the most common term in American English. Restroom would be a close second. Americans generally use "toilet" to refer to the actual thing you sit upon. So, if you asked, "where's the toilet?" they'd just say, "in the bathroom." In rare cases, it might be referred to as "the head," but this is a maritime term and you're unlikely to come across it unless you're in that setting, or someone is trying to be a little quirky. I have heard and used it in both contexts. I won't speak for the Brits, but outside the US I have also seen and heard the bathroom referred to as the water closet/WC and loo. Americans would probably understand those, but they're not common over here.

In the United States it is absolutely appropriate to say bathroom in a public place. I know that in other countries, they say toilet, which would be considered weird in the US

Yes absolutely. Bathroom and restroom are both appropriate for a public toilet in the US. You can also ask for the “ladies’ room” or “men’s room.”

In North America that’s standard. Bathroom and restroom are interchangeable, with restroom being preferable for ones with no actual bathing facilities

An important thing for visitors to the US to know is that referring to bathrooms/restrooms as toilets is going to get you some very strange looks. It’s borderline inappropriate.

If anything I feel like this is becoming more and more common in American English. I say restroom, but I rarely hear it anymore.

It’s okay to call it a bathroom in all places, there is also “washroom” in my opinion bathroom is quite formal but no one will care if you are learning English and not a native speaker

in canada we say washroom. bathroom, restroom, washroom are all totally fine

A “restroom” can be referred to as a “bathroom” in English and no one will bat an eyelash. Edit: OK, some real jerks may say something rude, but they can be ignored. 

Yes, it’s fine. It doesn’t have to have a bath/shower to be called a “bathroom.”

Here in Canada, I’ve heard “bathroom,” “washroom,” and “restroom.” All used essentially interchangeably, regardless of the actual contents of said room.

In America, you can call any room with a toilet a bathroom. In Canada, it is called a washroom. In Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, simply ask for the toilet.

Restroom is more polite but bathroom is more commonly understood. I’d say you should say the more commonly understood word rather than the more formal one. Especially given the situation you’d say this.

Toilet seems more universally understood from my travels. I've had many people in Europe have no idea what this restroom was, though they did seem intrigued as it has a nice ring to it

"Where are the toilets?" would be more natural but that is completely fine as well.

Haven’t seen this mentioned. I catch myself using the term “mensroom” or more often just simply “mens/gents” to staff in a pub. British English.

You can say that, even when there’s no bath in the room. However, if you’re in a formal setting or you just want to sound extra polite, you can say “restroom.” Other words I’ve heard are “the toilet” (somewhat impolite where I am in the US), “the lavatory” (probably will sound overly formal), “the loo” (not really said in the US), and “the washroom”.

Yes. Or washroom here in Canada. We don't really say restroom.

British people say toilet or loo. But in the UK if you ask for the bathroom, everybody knows what you mean, they won't think it's weird, they will just know you're using American English.

Yes, absolutely. "Bathroom" is generally understood as the room where you take care of all sorts of personal things, such as using the toilet, taking a shower, brushing your teeth, etc. Whether it actually has a bath or shower doesn't really matter, though sometimes a room with just a toilet and sink is referred to as a "water closet" or "half-bathroom", with the latter being common when discussing real estate. You might say that a house has 2.5 bathrooms, which means two "full" bathrooms with a bath/shower and one of these "half-bathrooms", usually on the main floor where you entertain people. English is not the only language that uses "bathroom" for the room where you use the toilet. The Spanish baño is used for both the bathroom and the bath itself. I'm sure other Romance languages are similar.

Bathroom is a casual way of saying it. It is not wrong to say it, but it’s a tiny tiny tiny bit direct if you are out in public. Most speakers in the USA or Canada will try and use another word to be slightly polite. TO USE AT A RESTAURANT: Restroom = America Washroom = Canada Toilet/loo = British

It is absolutely fine to ask out loud, but I would not ask loudly enough for the whole room to hear. You don't need to whisper, either - it's not that delicate. Just don't shout.

Unless the locals use a different term. The British call it toilet or the loo. In the US you can say bathroom or restroom

In public places you’ll see signs for “restrooms,” “washrooms,” and “toilets” (North America). I think in England you’ll also see “W. C.” (for “water closet”). I have never seen a sign for “bathrooms” in public, but if you asked for one you’d be understood for sure and I doubt anyone would correct you.

Bathroom in American. In Australia, you would normally ask for the toilets.

In the US, if it has a toilet, it’s called a bathroom. It has nothing to do with the presence of a bath or shower. In fact, we have a word “half-bath” for a bathroom in a home that has a toilet but no shower or tub.

In the US asking for directions to "the bathroom" in a public place wouldn't be strange or unusual at all. "Restroom" would be slightly better. "Restroom" sounds specifically like a public bathroom. It sounds 'formal' in comparison. Yes, at some points kids think about it and do have the realization that they're asking for "the room for baths" in a public place where they don't intend to take a bath, nor is there a bathtub for that matter. You might also hear it called "the men's/women's room" and that is 100% normal. A situation at work for example: <boss walks up and looks at empty desk> "Isn't Bob here today?" <coworker says> "I think I saw Bob heading toward the men's room a few minutes ago". The Brits call it "the toilets" or "the loo" or something like that. In the US, you could ask for directions to the toilet or to be pointed toward the toilets. It would accomplish what you want and people would get it right away, but it'd sound a little odd. In the US there's other 'slang' for them as well, like "the water closet" or "the WC" which is from really old houses that were built before plumbing and had sinks and toilets in weird corner rooms.

Restroom is a more commonly used alternative to be polite, but saying bathroom is totally fine, most people won't care which one you use at all unless they're weird tbh.

Out in public I say restroom. Seems most people do here, Pacific Northwest of USA. Bathroom is for home or someone else's home.

Technically, the word bathroom really is meant for a residential context, and restroom would be the better phrase for a public facility. That being said said, this isn't German, so nobody is going to be needlessly pedantic about it. Other words that will convey the same meaning: toilet, Lavetory, powder room, shitter, crapper, John, head, mens/ladies room, little boys/girls room, Loo if you like bland food and washroom if you dip your fries in gravy.

In the US, it would be bathroom or restroom. In the UK, it would be toilet. Asking where the toilet is sounds bizarre in American English. It took me awhile to realize a toilet is a room rather than a singular toilet in British English.

In UK we say toilet or if you are being less formal the gents or the ladies.

There is nothing wrong with bathroom! In the west they say wash room but it’s the same thing.

“Restroom” in public places is more common in the U.S., “loo” is slangy in the U.K.

Generally, signage for a *public* facility in the US will say “restroom”, so ask for that when in public. In the US, we use the word bathroom for the facilities in a private residence. Ultimately, would Americans understand both in either place? Absolutely.

It’s acceptable in the US. It’s sort of a given that you’re not expecting to actually take a bath in there. It might lead to confusion outside the US in a private home, in which the toilet and the bath are in separate but adjoining rooms. I would just say the toilet or restroom.

yes, thats fairly common

Depends where you are, I guess. I think bathroom is common in the US, but in Australia you would probably ask for the "loo", the restroom, the Ladies or Gents, or just the toilet

Bathroom and restroom are most popular but I’ve heard washroom some.

In Canada, washroom would be the most common term. Bathroom is fine and also common. The toilets would be an ok term to use in a large public space (like a park or stadium), but it would seem strange in a place like a restaurant or a home. There are also an abundance of other terms which you might encounter that are less frequent due to either their whimsical and euphemistic character or due to being more common elsewhere in the world.

As an Australian, I find the US usage of "bathroom" a bit odd. To me, a bathroom is where you have a bath, or a shower. Also, our houses often have no toilet in the bathroom - the toilet is in a separate room. We don't call it a "half bath". When I first came across the term "half bath" I had not the slightest clue what that would be. So, we quite happily ask "Where is the toilet?" or, if out shopping, "Where are the toilets?"

Bathroom, restroom, the facilities, toilet, loo, waste depository, pit stop, all names I use. No one is going to judge you for calling a room with a toilet and sink a bathroom in a public setting, just don’t ask “Hey, waiter, where is the shitter?”

Bathroom is fine, yeah. Toilets also works, and that’s what I personally use (but maybe that’s more of a UK thing, I’m sure some places may consider that word too casual or something).

in Canada the public polite way is to ask for a Washroom, if you are at home or at a home of someone you are close to you say bathroom

It depends what country you are in. If you said "bathroom" in the UK you will have to expect laughter and various comments e.g "why, do you need a bath?" This is even true if you say it in someone's home where they would look at you with sympathy and say "the ***toilet*** is upstairs" In the US though you can use the expression anywhere.

From experience: America: Bathroom/restroom Canada: Washroom UK: Toilet, loo, gents/ladies

I was in England at a restaurant and asked a server. He and another lad had to choke back their laughter and asked me if I wanted a towel.

We also call them “men’s room” or “ladies room.” Less frequently “women’s room.” But rest room is gender neutral and fine for all.

Yeah. That or restroom.

Absolutely! In Canada, “washroom” is also common,

As a waitress in an Australian restaurant, most people just ask for the toilet or bathroom. Fancier, typically older, people will ask for the ladies room or men's room. On the flip side, less-fancy will ask for the "loo" or "the john"

In American English it's fine. In British English, it sounds strange.

In Canada its common but washroom is more polite. Some people say restroom but I personally almost never hear it.

Yeah its fine just dont say take a piss, shit, or say toilet in polite company

Although if youre learning English. Dont be afraid to throw curveballs! Say something like, "I gotta throw up using my ass, wheres the pisser?"

it's not unnatural but it's more common in america to say "restroom". i know there are places where "toilet" is the best word for it. however, in america, it could be seen as less polite.

Bathroom and restroom are used interchangeably, and are both perfectly fine to say.

I say “washroom”.

If you ask for a bathroom in any context, people will assume you are talking about a toilet (or possibly a sink). Saying "I have to go to the bathroom" means you have to eliminate, whether or not there is an actual bathroom nearby. If you were in the woods and said you needed to go the bathroom, this would sound perfectly normal, and you would be directed to a latrine.

It's fine. "Restroom" is more common in the US for public facilities, but "bathroom" is acceptable.

In the UK, "bathroom" and all the rest are understood but the standard is simply "toilet"

in public places (ie. restaurants etc.) I would ask the waiter/waitress 'where is the toilet' and in a friends house 'where is the toilet' I am from the UK though so it may differ outside in countries like Australia, USA etc

It works in U.S. English, but not necessarily other varieties. I know in the UK it’s usually the toilet or the loo. I believe Canadians often call it the washroom.

If you come to Australia you can say toilet, but restroom is fine. Bathroom is the American term.

In public I usually say restroom

English people never say bathroom unless they mean a place to wash, or restroom at all. It’s loo, lavatory, toilet, carsey, or even bog as polite ways to say it. There are commonly used worse words. But if you are learning the American dialect then both those are usual. Australian English has even more inventive words.

In England, whilst we know what people mean we would never say that. A bathroom in England would be a domestic bathroom with a bath. Out and about you will see signs for toilets, lavatories or WC which means water closet, and occasionally in fancy department stores you might see powder room referring specifically to the ladies toilets. Also expect the hear loo, although that wouldn’t be on a sign, just what people say.

Restroom is a little better but both are fine. Or you can use the term “facilities”.

Bathroom is fine. At least in America, restroom and bathroom are both generally considered polite, interchangeable words that can refer to any room with a functional toilet, regardless of if there actually is a bath or shower in there or not. Sometimes people will ask for either the "men's room" or "ladies/women's room" (depending on their gender). Washroom isn't uncommon either. In parts of the UK they also often call it the "loo."

This kind of phrasing is more common in America, where they use the word “bathroom” for any room with a toilet in it, but even here in Britain it’s a perfectly acceptable term. You wouldn’t hear many native Brits use it but nobody would bat an eye if they heard it

Also in the UK you might want to specifically ask for ‘the Ladies’ or ‘the Gents’ - particularly in older buildings they might be in different areas. If you present as the gender you want/have to use (not going there!) then asking for ‘the toilet’ will probably get you pointed to the right one but otherwise, or if you’re asking for someone else, you might need to be specific

It's fine in public places, but in private homes the toilet is usually separate to the bathroom, so it would be better to ask where the toilet is.

Oh I thought you meant is “bathroom” polite. Yes. That’s the right word. I think it’s the American version of toilet. I have to go to the bathroom I have to go to toilet If you don’t say it like that I look like a moron. Anyway, you’re just asking where to pee.

I'd use bathroom or toilet.

In the UK "restroom" might cause a bit of confusion, and lead to you being shown to a quiet room for having a rest in. We never use that phrase, many people know it from hearing Americans use it, but not everyone.

I'm UK English, Bathroom is fine, and will be understood. I will ask for the 'gents' (I'm male) or 'the toilets' if I am out and need 'the facilities' (an older euphemism for the toilets).

it’s fine

toilet too

Bathroom Restroom Men's/Women's room A parent with a small child might ask for the "Little boys'/girls' room" Depending on where you live, "Toilet" or "Lavatory" would also be understood All of those are fine :)

Can but won't. " may I use the facilities, please", or excuse me , " where might I find the lavatory?"

Bathroom is what 90% of people refer to it as regardless of where you are

In Canada the most common term, both in a home and in a public place, is "washroom." However "bathroom" is also widely used and universally understood. The term "restroom" appears on signage sometimes but is far less common in Canadian English.

Just to add on a regional variation. If you're in Canada, you can ask for the bathroom, restroom (rarely) or, most commonly, the washroom.

Bathroom is fine anyway. Or just say toilet

Yes you can. Flip side is that if you translate "bathroom" in another language, as I did on a trip to Germany years ago ("Wo is die Badezimmer?") they will look at you like you're nuts. Made me realize how euphemistic English can be. Saying "where's the toilet?" felt weird.

I use wash/bathroom interchangeably. Restroom is also appropriate, but not sure if I have heard people say it before?

I say in my English butler accent. Excuse me sir, but may use the facilities? gets em everytime

In Canada, we say “washroom.”

Not at all in the US; it’s the default word.

In Ireland we would ask for the "toilet". Americans use "Bathroom", even though in a place like a restaurant, it doesn't have a bath. There are also more informal words used, like "loo", "jacks", "khazi", "bog" and others.

"Facilities" is a good word to use if you want to ask about directions. "Where are the facilities?" If you're in a resturant or similar and asking the staff. "Where are the nearest facilities?" If you're asking someone I'm public for durations. It's a euphemism that would very rarely be confused

I grew up in New York, and the most natural word to use in that context is bathroom. It's a polite euphemism for bathroom, and does not imply the existence of a bath or shower in that room. In fact, when I've encountered bathrooms split into two rooms, one with a bath/shower and sink, and one with just a toilet, I would refer to the one with a toilet as the bathroom. (Also I don't understand why the room with a toilet doesn't have a sink, who designed these?)

"Bathroom" and "restroom" are both correct in U.S.A. In U.K., it's better to ask for a toilet. I'm unsure about other English-speaking countries.

Yes it’s fine at least in the US. More common in public to say restroom but either word is fine (you’d not say restroom in someone’s home)

In the US you can. Bathroom would be normal word to use (I think). In the UK you’d be understood but it is not the normal way to ask - ask for the toilet or the loo or the ladies/gents (as applicable)

I think this is normal in the US, and would be understood in the UK. But in the UK we would more commonly ask “Where is the toilet?”

Bathroom is an Americanism. Toilet is correct in English

The pee pee room...or...

In Canada we use washroom, but both are also very well understood and used by some

In the US, restroom is the normal word when in an office or public building but people say bathroom too. Lavatory is used too but less often these days. I find when visiting someone else's home, it would be more common to ask where their bathroom (or powder room) is versus restroom.

Sounds a bit weird in normal English, we’d just say toilet. Restroom certainly doesn’t make sense, to us (shockingly) that sounds like somewhere you rest.

Yes. Bathroom is fine. A public bathroom is also a restroom but a household bathroom isn't. A household bathroom also might not have a bath or a shower. In real estate these are called half bathrooms but in common speech they're still just bathrooms. So you can just always say bathroom if you want.

Highly dependant on where you are located. But most people would I derstand what you mean even if it's not the preferred term where you are.  In the UK you would ask where the toilets are 

In Canada 'washroom' is a public toilet, 'bathroom' is a toilet in someone's home.

Bathroom is a fairly standard term in most English speaking countries. If you’re wanting to be more formal then the term ‘Restroom’ might be more your speed, though keep in mind it’s an American term, so usage will vary depending on location. But yes, ‘Bathroom’ is completely fine to say in public spaces!

I British English bathroom is generally specifically for the place where you bathe. I would generally ask for the location of the toilet / toilets / lavatory (though lavatory is a bit antiquated) I think these days asking for the location of a bathroom has become more normalised in the UK due to American influence. On that note, in america, it's more common to ask for the location of the bathroom / restroom regardless of the presence of said bath or rest.

US English has a perception that toilet is perceived as as rude word. Its not just ask where the toilet is, or if it's somewhere fancy you can ask for where the "Gents" is. Although probably not that last one in a night club or you could get some interesting results..

In the US if you’re rather familiar with someone it’s not uncommon to just say “I gotta pee.” Although for the other bathroom activity you’d want to be EXTREMELY familiar before saying it.

In other English speaking countries like Oz we never say say bathroom when we mean toilet. To be more gentile in public we might say 'where is the ladies (or gents)'. In someone's home we'd say 'where is the loo'.

Yes. That is what it is commonly called.

Dont forget signs for the WC (water closet) in some countries. As an American I was so confused.

Restroom is my go to in most places. When I used to hang out at dive bars it was "Where's your shitter?"

Here in the US, bathroom is perfectly acceptable, unless you want to be formal and say restroom.

With most Americans, at least where I live (New England) almost any other expression (lavatory? Loo? Facilities? The toilet?) will serve, but will get you a funny look. “Men’s room” or “ladies room” are dated but are probably the next best thing. The fact that there is no bathing going on is totally immaterial.

for me personally, i use bathroom in casual places (house, concert, non-formal restaurants) and restroom in professional places (places of work, formal restaurants, stores). i see bathroom as a more relaxed word and restroom as “formal” for some odd reason when they’re synonyms. bathroom is 100% acceptable, and like may others have said, bathroom is used even if there’s no bathtub in it. public stalls and the room in your home share the fact you go to them to relieve yourself. bathroom and restroom are common in US english. lavatory, loo, washroom, and toilet are common in british or british-influenced english (UK, australia, new zealand to name a few). all of the above are valid :D

Restroom is usually polite in America but usually whenever there’s a toilet it’s called a bathroom

I say Washroom.. I live in Canada

Bathroom or rest room sounds American - in UK we would ask where are the toilets?

I normally say "toilet", I live in Europe. But recently I more say "bathroom", because someone told me it is more polite. I will do some research later.

If it bothers you, just ask where you can use a toilet. Direct and technically correct.

So generally if you're going to ask about that in a public space like a restaurant, you'd call it a "restroom" and not a "bathroom" for exactly the reason you stated. That being said... if you call it a bathroom, you'll be understood. No one is likely to get bent out of shape over the technically incorrect term.