Japanese Conversation · Level 46
90 words
Japanese word
便所
Pronunciation
Romajibenjo
Meaning
- nountoilet
Example
便所はどこにありますか？ben jo wa do ko ni a ri ma su ka
Where is the toilet?
More examples
急いでいるので、便所を探しています。iso i de i ru no de ben jo o saga shi te i ma su
I am in a hurry, so I am looking for a toilet.
Core concept
Refers to a designated place or facility for relieving oneself, with the focus on where the act takes place.
Common phrases
便所に行くben jo ni i ku
go to the toilet
便所を探すben jo o saga su
look for a toilet
便所の場所ben jo no ba sho
location of the toilet
Similar words
トイレtoire: A familiar everyday word for a toilet or restroom.
お手洗いotearai: A formal and polite word for a toilet or restroom.
Definition in Japanese
排泄をするための設備や場所。hai setsu o su ru ta me no setsu bi ya ba sho
Word origin
The compound 便所 (benjo) combines 便 (ben, "excrement") and 所 (jo, "place"), naming a place for relieving oneself.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 便所 (benjo) is direct and somewhat blunt, while トイレ (toire) and お手洗い (otearai) are more common in neutral or polite speech.