化粧室(けしょうしつ)

けしょうしつ
noun
restroom; powder room; lavatory
formalpolitebuildingdaily-life
1. restroom; powder room; lavatory
A polite, euphemistic term for a restroom or bathroom, commonly seen on signs in public buildings, department stores, hotels, and restaurants.
化粧室(けしょうしつ)はどこですか。
Where is the restroom?
化粧室(けしょうしつ)は二階(にかい)にございます。
The restroom is on the second floor.
会議(かいぎ)の前(まえ)に化粧室(けしょうしつ)に立(た)ち寄(よ)って身(み)だしなみを整(ととの)えた。
Before the meeting, I stopped by the powder room to freshen up.

Etymology

化粧(けしょう) (makeup, grooming) + 室(しつ) (room). Literally "grooming room" — a euphemistic way of saying toilet or bathroom.

Register

This is a polite, indirect term for a restroom. It is commonly seen on signs in upscale venues. In everyday conversation, トイレ or お手洗(てあら)い are more common.

Common collocations

  • 化粧室(けしょうしつ)に行(い)く (to go to the restroom)
  • 化粧室(けしょうしつ)に立(た)つ (to excuse oneself to the restroom)
  • 女性用化粧室(じょせいようけしょうしつ) (women's restroom)

Related Words

Synonym: お手洗(てあら)い (restroom (polite, everyday))
Compare: トイレ (toilet, bathroom)
Compare: 手洗(てあら)い (handwashing)
Compare: 便所(べんじょ) (toilet)
Compare: 公衆(こうしゅう)トイレ (public toilet)
general
Added 2026.3.8 22:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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