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PhrasesAt the RestaurantDov'è il bagno?
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Dov'è il bagno?

Where is the bathroom?

Pronunciation

BA-gno — the 'gn' is a nasal palatal, like 'ny' in 'canyon'. Two syllables, stress on first.

When to use it

When you need to use the bathroom during or after a meal. This is one of the most useful phrases in any situation.

What it means

'Dov'è' is a contraction of 'dove è' (where is). 'Il bagno' means 'the bathroom' or 'the toilet'. 'Il gabinetto' or 'i servizi' are also used. In restaurants, bathrooms are usually at the back or downstairs.

Variations

Dove sono i servizi?

Where are the toilets?

'I servizi' (the services) is a common formal alternative to 'il bagno'

C'è un bagno qui?

Is there a bathroom here?

Useful in a bar or café where facilities are not always obvious

Il bagno è fuori?

Is the bathroom outside?

In older buildings, bathrooms may be in a separate courtyard or staircase

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, dov'è il bagno? — È in fondo a destra, dopo le scale. — Grazie mille. — Prego!

— Excuse me, where is the bathroom? — It is at the back on the right, past the stairs. — Thank you very much. — You're welcome!

Cultural Note

Italian restaurant bathrooms are legally required to be available to customers but not always to the general public. Quality varies enormously — from marble-clad luxury to very basic facilities. Always check before a long sightseeing day.