1.
handwashing, washing by hand
The act of washing one's hands, or washing something by hand rather than by machine.
食事の前に手洗いをしましょう。
Let's wash our hands before eating.
このセーターは手洗いしてください。
Please wash this sweater by hand.
Used for laundry care instructions.
感染予防のために、こまめな手洗いが大切です。
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.
手洗いはどこですか。
Where is the restroom?
手洗いに行ってきます。
I'll go to the restroom.
このレストランの手洗いはとても清潔だった。
The restroom at this restaurant was very clean.
手洗い has two distinct meanings: the literal act of washing hands and a polite euphemism for the restroom.
SENSE 1 — HANDWASHING:
- 手洗いをする: to wash one's hands
- 手洗い可能: hand-washable (laundry label)
SENSE 2 — RESTROOM:
Used as a polite, indirect way to say 'toilet.' Common in formal settings and signage.
SIMILAR WORDS FOR RESTROOM:
- トイレ: toilet (most common in daily speech)
- お手洗い: restroom (polite, with お prefix)
- 化粧室: powder room (very polite)
- 洗面所: washroom (literally 'face-washing place')