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.
化粧室はどこですか。
Where is the restroom?
化粧室は二階にございます。
The restroom is on the second floor.
会議の前に化粧室に立ち寄って身だしなみを整えた。
Before the meeting, I stopped by the powder room to freshen up.
COMPOSITION:
化粧 (makeup, grooming) + 室 (room). Literally "grooming room" — a euphemistic way of saying toilet or bathroom.
FORMALITY:
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 お手洗い are more common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 化粧室に行く (to go to the restroom)
- 化粧室に立つ (to excuse oneself to the restroom)
- 女性用化粧室 (women's restroom)