... aller aux toilettes

James K.C1Kwiziq community member

... aller aux toilettes

I don't know if I'm missing something but the quiz said that you could acceptably translate "I need to go to the toilet" as "J'ai envie d'aller etc..."

Surely that's wrong - wouldn't you only use that form of words if you were expressing a desire to go to the toilet, but not a need? (Admittedly, I can't think of a circumstance where you'd say 'I really feel like a visit to the toilet right now ..!')

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi James, 

Please take a look at this Kwiziq lesson on the use of -

avoir envie de 

It normally means to feel like/ to want something but is also used for urges ( and this is the sense of need expressed) like going to the loo.

https://kwiziq.learnfrenchwithalexa.com/revision/grammar/avoir-envie-de-to-express-to-feel-like-to-want

Hope this helps!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

J‘ai envie d‘aller aux toilettes. — That’s standard French for « I need to go to the toilet ». 

James K.C1Kwiziq community member

Hi Chris - thanks for your help. On one of the quizzes, I was told it was wrong to use 'avoir envie de" when referring to a need to buy a new handbag. Why the distinction?

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I can't tell you a reason, James. It's just French. :)

James K.C1Kwiziq community member

Hahaha. Ok, got it. Thanks Chris :)

... aller aux toilettes

I don't know if I'm missing something but the quiz said that you could acceptably translate "I need to go to the toilet" as "J'ai envie d'aller etc..."

Surely that's wrong - wouldn't you only use that form of words if you were expressing a desire to go to the toilet, but not a need? (Admittedly, I can't think of a circumstance where you'd say 'I really feel like a visit to the toilet right now ..!')

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