In Mandarin, there are several ways to say “bathroom,” depending on the context and region. Here are the most common ones:
1. 洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān) – Restroom/Washroom
- Common in public places like restaurants, malls, and offices.
- Example sentence:
- 请问，洗手间在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) – Excuse me, where is the restroom?
2. 厕所 (cèsuǒ) – Toilet
- More casual and direct; commonly used in everyday speech.
- Example sentence:
- 我去一下厕所。(Wǒ qù yíxià cèsuǒ.) – I’m going to the toilet for a moment.
3. 浴室 (yùshì) – Bathroom/Shower Room
- Refers specifically to a room with a shower or bathtub in a home, hotel, or gym. It doesn’t necessarily include a toilet.
- Example sentence:
- 这个公寓有两个浴室。(Zhège gōngyù yǒu liǎng gè yùshì.) – This apartment has two bathrooms (shower rooms).
- 我可以用你的浴室洗个澡吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de yùshì xǐ gè zǎo ma?) – Can I use your bathroom to take a shower?
4. 盥洗室 (guànxǐshì) – Washroom (Formal, Used in Schools/Offices)
- Less common in casual speech but used in formal settings.
- Example sentence:
- 盥洗室在走廊的尽头。(Guànxǐshì zài zǒuláng de jìntóu.) – The washroom is at the end of the hallway.
5. 茅房 (máofáng) – Outhouse (Old-fashioned, Rural Term)
- Traditional term for an outdoor or simple toilet.
- Example sentence:
- 乡下的茅房很简陋。(Xiāngxià de máofáng hěn jiǎnlòu.) – The outhouse in the countryside is very simple.
6. 化妆室 (huàzhuāngshì) – Powder Room (Used in Taiwan & Some Public Places)
- More common in Taiwan, especially for women’s restrooms.
- Example sentence:
- 请问化妆室在哪里？(Qǐngwèn huàzhuāngshì zài nǎlǐ?) – Excuse me, where is the powder room?
7. 卫生间 (wèishēngjiān) – Bathroom (Hygienic Room)
- Slightly more formal, often used in homes, hotels, and offices.
- Example sentence:
- 这个房间有独立卫生间吗？(Zhège fángjiān yǒu dúlì wèishēngjiān ma?) – Does this room have a private bathroom?
Quick Recap & Best Uses
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 洗手间 | xǐshǒujiān | Restroom/Washroom | Public places (restaurants, malls) |
| 厕所 | cèsuǒ | Toilet | Everyday conversation |
| 卫生间 | wèishēngjiān | Bathroom (hygienic room) | Homes, hotels, offices |
| 盥洗室 | guànxǐshì | Washroom | Formal settings (schools, offices) |
| 茅房 | máofáng | Outhouse | Rural areas, old-fashioned |
| 化妆室 | huàzhuāngshì | Powder room | Taiwan, upscale places |
| 浴室 | yùshì | Bathroom (with shower) | Homes, hotels, gyms |
Practice Sentences
Try filling in the blanks with the correct term:
- 我家有一个___和一个厕所。 (My house has one ___ and one toilet.)
- 请问，最近的___在哪里？ (Excuse me, where is the nearest ___?)
- 这个宾馆的___很干净。 (This hotel’s ___ is very clean.)
- 乡下以前用___，但现在有了自来水。 (In the countryside, people used to use ___, but now they have running water.)