手洗(てあら)い

てあらい
noun
handwashing; washroom
daily-lifebuilding
See also: お手洗(てあら)い (polite form (restroom))
1. handwashing, washing by hand
The act of washing one's hands, or washing something by hand rather than by machine.
食事(しょくじ)の前(まえ)に手洗(てあら)いをしましょう。
Let's wash our hands before eating.
このセーターは手洗(てあら)いしてください。
Please wash this sweater by hand.
Used for laundry care instructions.
感染(かんせん)予防(よぼう)のために、こまめな手洗(てあら)いが大切(たいせつ)です。
Frequent handwashing is important for infection prevention.
2. washroom, restroom, lavatory
A polite, indirect way to refer to a toilet or restroom. Originally referred to the place where one washes hands.
手洗(てあら)いはどこですか。
Where is the restroom?
手洗(てあら)いに行(い)ってきます。
I'll go to the restroom.
このレストランの手洗(てあら)いはとても清潔(せいけつ)だった。
The restroom at this restaurant was very clean.

手洗(てあら)い has two distinct meanings: the literal act of washing hands and a polite euphemism for the restroom.

SENSE 1 — HANDWASHING:

SENSE 2 — RESTROOM:
Used as a polite, indirect way to say 'toilet.' Common in formal settings and signage.

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: トイレ (toilet (common))
Compare: 化粧室(けしょうしつ) (powder room)
Compare: 洗面所(せんめんじょ) (washroom)
Related: 感染(かんせん) (infection)
general
Added 2026.2.22 19:04 · Revised 2026.10.15 10:20
12500/12761_tearai