トイレ
toire[to̞iɾe̞]
The English word toilet is translated into Japanese as トイレ (toire).
The term refers to the fixture or room used for urination and defecation.
Meaning: fixture used for urination and defecation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While トイレ is the standard term, 便所 is a more blunt and often considered crude or old-fashioned term for a toilet. In contrast, お手洗い is a formal term used to refer to the toilet.
How do you pronounce it?
toire
Did you know?
- Many Japanese トイレ are equipped with 'sound masking' buttons that play a recording of rushing water or birds to hide the sounds of use from people outside the stall.
- In Japan, you will often find a ウォシュレット (washlet) on the トイレ seat, which is a brand of electronic bidet that became so popular it is now used as a generic term for the device.
- In Japan, you might see the word お手洗い (otearai) on signs in elegant hotels or department stores, which literally translates to 'hand washing'.
Examples in context
- ちょっとトイレ。I need to go to the toilet.This sentence is useful for expressing a sudden need to use the トイレ.Tatoeba #10587982 by Sonata, translation #2721204 by kieranjpball
- トイレは上の階です。The toilet is upstairs.This sentence is useful for stating the location of the トイレ.Tatoeba #201722 by small_snow, translation #38935 by CK
- トイレはどこですか。Where is the toilet?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the トイレ.Tatoeba #201726 by bunbuku, translation #38937 by CK
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are shopping in a department store.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、トイレに行ってもいい？Misaki, toire ni ittemo ii?Misaki, can I go to the toilet?
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ。あそこにトイレがあるね。Ii yo. Asoko ni toire ga aru ne.Sure. There is a toilet over there.
- 健太 Kentaあ、本当だ。ありがとう。A, hontou da. Arigatou.Oh, you're right. Thanks.
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ。ここで待ってるね。Iie. Koko de matteru ne.No problem. I'll wait here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry トイレ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
