How do you say...

[coinflasher]

Konichiwa genki desu ka,
My name is Chad Harrelson. I am a karate instructor in Charleston, SC. We use Japanese words and phrases in our classes. Currently, I am putting together an audio CD to gove to the students so they can practice the common commands and phrases. I would like your help with this one... What is the proper way for a student to ask a teacher if they can use the bathroom? I know that sounds funny but it is quite usefull in a class full of kids (and adults). Currently we use the phrase, "Benjo Ni Yuku", however I feel that it is somewhat incomplete. Can anyone help please?

Domo,

-- Chad Harrelson
Mount Pleasant, SC

[Bueller_007]

Konichiwa genki desu ka,
My name is Chad Harrelson. I am a karate instructor in Charleston, SC. We use Japanese words and phrases in our classes. Currently, I am putting together an audio CD to gove to the students so they can practice the common commands and phrases. I would like your help with this one... What is the proper way for a student to ask a teacher if they can use the bathroom? I know that sounds funny but it is quite usefull in a class full of kids (and adults). Currently we use the phrase, "Benjo Ni Yuku", however I feel that it is somewhat incomplete. Can anyone help please?

Domo,

-- Chad Harrelson
Mount Pleasant, SC

Yeah, "benjo ni yuku" is pretty weird, "benjo" being a pretty casual word, and "yuku" being a formal one.

Something like "O-te-arai, ii desu ka." is probably the most natural, but not particularly formal or grammatically correct.

"O-te-arai ni itte mo ii desu ka" is the winner.