xǐshǒujiān
polite, common
In pinyin the polite word for "bathroom" is xǐshǒujiān (洗手间), literally "hand washing room". You will also hear wèishēngjiān (卫生间) and the plain cèsuǒ (厕所).
Meaning: restroom or toilet (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| xǐshǒujiān | polite, common |
| wèishēngjiān | common |
| cèsuǒ | plain, blunt |
To ask where it is, say Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? The answer will often point left or right with zuǒbiān or yòubiān.
Which one should you use?
Cèsuǒ (厕所) is the most direct word and is perfectly understood, but xǐshǒujiān sounds softer in restaurants and shops.
Did you know?
- Xǐshǒujiān literally means "hand washing room", which is why it is the polite word.
Examples in context
- Wèishēngjiān zài èr lóu.The bathroom is on the second floor.
- Cèsuǒ zài nàbiān.The toilet is over there.
Example conversation
Tom asks a Waiter in a restaurant in Chengdu.
- TomQǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
- WaiterZài nàbiān, zuǒ zhuǎn.Over there, turn left.
- TomXièxie.Thank you.
