厕所
cèsuǒ
The English word toilet is translated into Chinese as 厕所 (cèsuǒ).
厕所 refers to a fixture used for urination and defecation. To say you are going to the toilet, use the phrase 上厕所, combining the verb 上 with 厕所. In modern or domestic contexts, you may also use 卫生间 to refer to a bathroom or toilet. To indicate whether a restroom is for males or females, look for the characters 男 (male) or 女 (female).
Meaning: fixture used for urination and defecation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 厕所 is composed of 厕 (cè), meaning 'latrine' or 'toilet' and 所 (suǒ), meaning 'place'.
Which one should you use?
While 厕所 is a standard term for a toilet, 卫生间 is often used when referring to a bathroom or toilet in a modern or domestic setting. For more polite or formal environments, such as a restaurant or a friend's house, the term 洗手间 is preferred.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
厕所 is an informal way to say toilet in everyday conversations. In polite or formal social settings, it is more common to use 洗手间 (washroom/bathroom) to be more courteous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese-speaking regions, the formal term 洗手間 is used for toilet.
How do you pronounce it?
cèsuǒ
Did you know?
- Some elderly speakers may use the term 方便 meaning 'convenience' as a polite code for needing to use the 厕所.
- In many public areas of China, you will find 'squat toilets' where you balance on your feet, which are often referred to as 蹲便器.
- In some parts of China, you might see the term 化妆室 (make-up room) used in high-end shopping malls to refer to the ladies' restroom.
Examples in context
- 我要上厕所。I have to go to the toilet.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to go to the toilet using 厕所.Tatoeba #3626651 by GlossaMatik, translation #1421916 by CM
- 我不想打扫厕所。I don't want to clean the toilet.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of desire to clean the 厕所.Tatoeba #13970479 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #8340461 by CK
- 厕所在哪里？Where is the toilet?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the 厕所.Tatoeba #493902 by adjusting, translation #38937 by CK
- 请问洗手间在哪里？Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are at a restaurant.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这个厕所在哪里？Zhège cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?Where is this toilet?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen在走廊的尽头。Zài zǒuláng de jìntóu.It is at the end of the hallway.
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢，我马上回来。Xièxie, wǒ mǎshàng huílái.Thanks, I'll be right back.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好的，慢慢来。Hǎo de, mànman lái.Okay, take your time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
