May I go to the bathroom? vs Can I go to the bathroom?

Both "May I go to the bathroom?" and "Can I go to the bathroom?" are correct and commonly used in English. They are polite ways to ask for permission to use the bathroom. The choice between "may" and "can" depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1133 views

May I go to the bathroom?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask for permission to use the bathroom in a polite way.

This phrase is a polite way to ask for permission to use the bathroom. It is more formal than using "can".

Examples:

May I go to the bathroom, please?
May I be excused to use the restroom?
May I take a quick break to visit the restroom?
May I step out for a moment to use the facilities?
May I have a moment to use the restroom?

Show examples from the web [+]

Mister Suarez, may I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Did he go to the bathroom?
- Should she go to the bathroom?
...by asking to go to the bathroom?
Do you mind if I go to the bathroom?
Now when do I go to the bathroom?
"First, can I go to the bathroom?"
Why would they have to go to the bathroom?
Where did you go to the bathroom?
Who takes a half hour to go to the bathroom?
Have you tried to go to the bathroom?
Have you ever seen me go to the bathroom?
Where do you think they go to the bathroom?
Like, where you go to the bathroom?
Carola, go to the bathroom?
- Still have to go to the bathroom?

Alternatives:

Can I go to the bathroom?
Could I go to the bathroom?
Is it okay if I go to the bathroom?
Am I allowed to go to the bathroom?
Do you mind if I go to the bathroom?

Can I go to the bathroom?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask for permission to use the bathroom in a polite way.

This phrase is a polite way to ask for permission to use the bathroom. It is slightly less formal than using "may".

Examples:

Can I go to the bathroom, please?
Can I quickly use the restroom?
Can I step out for a moment to use the facilities?
Can I have a moment to use the restroom?
Can I be excused to visit the restroom?

Show examples from the web [+]

Can I go to the bathroom?
"First, can I go to the bathroom?"
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom real quick?
Mister Suarez, may I go to the bathroom?
Did he go to the bathroom?
- Should she go to the bathroom?
...by asking to go to the bathroom?
Do you mind if I go to the bathroom?
Now when do I go to the bathroom?
Why would they have to go to the bathroom?
Where did you go to the bathroom?
Who takes a half hour to go to the bathroom?
Have you tried to go to the bathroom?
Have you ever seen me go to the bathroom?
Where do you think they go to the bathroom?
Like, where you go to the bathroom?
Carola, go to the bathroom?

Alternatives:

May I go to the bathroom?
Could I go to the bathroom?
Is it okay if I go to the bathroom?
Am I allowed to go to the bathroom?
Do you mind if I go to the bathroom?

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May I go to the bathroom? vs Can I go to the bathroom?