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retrete

reh-treh-teh/reˈtɾete/

“retrete” means “toilet” in Spanish (the physical porcelain fixture).

toilet

Also: lavatory, water closet
NounmB1
SpainMexico
A clean, white ceramic toilet with a closed lid in a simple bathroom setting.

📝 In Action

El retrete de este hotel está muy limpio.

A2

The toilet in this hotel is very clean.

Tira de la cadena del retrete después de usarlo.

B1

Flush the toilet after using it.

Se me cayeron las llaves dentro del retrete por accidente.

B2

I accidentally dropped my keys inside the toilet bowl.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inodoro (toilet (technical/sanitary term))
  • váter (toilet (very common in Spain))
  • excusado (toilet (polite/old-fashioned))
  • taza (toilet bowl)

Common Collocations

  • papel de retrete – toilet paper
  • limpiar el retrete – to clean the toilet
  • tapa del retrete – toilet lid

Idioms & Expressions

  • irse por el retrete – to be wasted or to fail completely (like 'going down the drain')

Vocabulary Collections

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "retrete" in Spanish:

lavatory→toilet→water closet→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: retrete

Question 1 of 3

Which word is the most polite/common way to ask for the bathroom in a restaurant?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Catalan 'retret' and the Old French 'retrait,' meaning a 'private retreat' or 'withdrawn place.' It originally described a small, private room before it specifically meant the room for a toilet.

First recorded: 14th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: retraitEnglish: retreat

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'retrete' a rude word?

No, it is not a swear word. However, it is very descriptive of the plumbing fixture. In polite company, people usually say 'el baño' (the bathroom) or 'el servicio' (the restroom) instead.

What is the difference between 'retrete' and 'inodoro'?

They are almost identical. 'Inodoro' literally means 'without smell' and is the standard technical/commercial name for a toilet. 'Retrete' is a slightly older, more traditional term.

Can I use 'retrete' to mean the whole bathroom?

Technically yes, but it sounds like you are focusing specifically on the toilet. If the room has a shower and a sink, call it 'el cuarto de baño'.