When you are at a cafe, do you ask for the TOILET or what phrase do you use?

I usually ask for either the "ladies" or the "toilets".

I think maybe Americans ask for the "washroom".

Some people also ask for the "bathroom" but to me a bathroom is not necessarily have a toilet in it so I would not ask for this.

by Finy

I like to refer to it as the bathroom - I realise that is very American but it is what I prefer. Is the word lavatory a word that means something else, like toilet ( mean in a language other than English)

by fran.

A lavatorium (pl. lavatoria), also anglicized as laver and lavatory, was the communal washing area in a monastery, particularly in mediaeval abbeys. I got this from the dictionary. . . . not washing my face in the loo. Haha.

Depends which country I'm in ;)
I usually look out for the sign to the loos as I walk into a café, so I rarely have to ask but if I do, I would say something like "Could you tell me the way to the loo, please?"

by VerityG

I usually just ask for the 'Ladies' Toilet Please' if I have not already checked out the lay of the land on arrival.!!!

by Jules

The toilets

by fran

I always say ''Ladies''.....''Can you please tell me where is the Ladies''.

by jonaja

Don't ya like the sign.......for Ladies toilet :)

oh very cute sign and very apt Jonaj!

I wish more would use it! just a little fun in a unfun world....

The restroom

by Gia

I'd usually just ask "where is the bathroom?".

by Maria

are you in Australia Maria?

I have always asked "where is the bathroom". If I am not in an English speaking country I will ask for the "toilets".

by AJ

Toilets. It's not a big deal for me.

by Vee

The restroom is what I used to say when in America. I think it is easier to ask for toilets here, so that they know what I am asking for, lol.

by BK

by Marie Vonow

Sorry, my cat just submitted a blank answer! He loves to walk on my lap top or sleep on it. One day he opened up Power Point for me! Back to the question.
I first look for a sign directing cafe users to the toilets. If I can't work out where they are I will ask for the 'toilet'.

by Marie Vonow

Love this!!! My dogs are always putting their paws where they should not,such as the DELETE button and the Enter button,creating spaces!! I think is is adorable that you and your cat are so close.Just like me with my Fur Babies!!

I ask for the toilet

by lizzi

'Ladies' usually, or occasionally 'bathroom'.

by poppy

Quietly and politely ask "Where is the Ladies Room, please?", then say "Thank you".
Pity is that not many bother with the 'Please' or 'Thank You', these days.

by delbr

Ask for the Ladies Loo, or "where is the .....?"

by delbr

'Which way to the Ladies' toilet, please?' 'Thank you'. Much relief!

by donjo

Where are the restrooms?

by norma

In England, Australia, Canada and NZ . .I ask for the loo or the ladies. Elsewhere I ask for the toilet and if I am lucky, I remember some term in the native vernacular that gets me by. Haven't had an "accident" yet. heehee.

by Rice

Very amusing, Rice! laughed at that.

I am an American. "Where are the bathrooms?"

by Polly