שֵׁרוּתִים
sherutímmasculine, plural
The Hebrew word for restroom is שֵׁרוּתִים (sherutím). Wiktionary also lists נוֹחִיּוּת (noḥiyút).
Meaning: public room containing a toilet (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| שֵׁרוּתִים | sherutím | masculine, plural |
| נוֹחִיּוּת | noḥiyút | feminine |
The term שֵׁרוּתִים is the most common and general way to say restroom in Hebrew.
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the singular form שֵׁרוּת, which literally means service.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the singular form שֵׁרוּת means service, the word for restroom is almost always used in its plural form, שֵׁרוּתִים, even when you are referring to a single room.
How do you pronounce it?
sherutím
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use נוֹחִיּוּת to mean restroom. It refers to the abstract concept of comfort and is not a place to use the toilet.
Did you know?
- In very formal or polite settings, some people avoid saying שֵׁרוּתִים entirely and instead ask אֶפְשָׁר לִרְחֹץ יָדַיִם?, which literally means 'Is it possible to wash my hands?'
- The word שֵׁרוּתִים shares the same root as the word for 'service' used in a religious context, such as a church or synagogue service.
- Because שֵׁרוּתִים is plural, it is grammatically treated as a plural noun in Hebrew sentences, even when you are talking about one single toilet.
Examples in context
- איפה השירותים, בבקשה?Where are the restrooms, please?
- האם יש שירותים לגברים/לנשים כאן?Are there restrooms for men/women here?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “restroom” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
