Chinese word

厕所

Pronunciation

Pinyincè suǒ

Meaning

  • nounbathroom

Example

请问，厕所在哪里？qǐng wèn cè suǒ zài ná lǐ

Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

Illustration for 厕所 (bathroom)

More examples

他出去上厕所了，马上就回来。tā chū qù shàng cè suǒ le mǎ shàng jiù huí lái

He went out to use the bathroom and will be back soon.

Core concept

A practical utility space that links private bodily relief with clean hands.

Common phrases

  • 上厕所shàng cè suǒ

    use the bathroom

  • 找厕所zhǎo cè suǒ

    look for a bathroom

Similar words

卫生间wèi shēng jiān: A courteous name for an indoor toilet with sanitation facilities.
洗手间xí shǒu jiān: A courteous name for a washroom with emphasis on washing the hands.
公厕gōng cè: A shortened name for a toilet in a public place.

Definition in Chinese

供人排泄并备有洗手设施的房间或场所。gōng rén pái xiè bìng bèi yǒu xí shǒu shè shī de fáng jiān huò cháng suǒ

Word origin

厕所 (cèsuǒ, "toilet") combines 厕 (cè, "privy") with 所 (suǒ, "place"), making a direct name for a place used for sanitation.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 厕所 (cèsuǒ, "toilet") is neutral and common, while 洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān, "washroom") sounds gentler in many public or polite settings.

Other meanings

  • toiletnoun

Word lists with this word