Translation guide
A public restroom or toilet facility. Japanese has several terms depending on formality, context, and whether it's a standalone facility or inside a building.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a public toilet, such as in a park, station, or commercial facility.
Polite and widely used, especially in department stores, restaurants, and other public places. Literally 'hand-washing place'.
Where is the restroom?
The most common everyday word for toilet/restroom. Slightly more casual than お手洗い but still acceptable in most situations.
Excuse me, is there a restroom?
Specifically 'public toilet', often used for standalone facilities in parks or streets. More formal and descriptive.
Is there a public restroom in this park?
A blunt, somewhat old-fashioned word for toilet. Can sound crude; avoid in polite conversation.
Use only in very casual or rough speech; トイレ or お手洗い is almost always better.
Where's the john?
When visiting someone's home, the polite way to ask for the bathroom.
Very polite: 'May I borrow your restroom?'
Excuse me, may I use your restroom?
Slightly less formal but still polite: 'Is it okay if I use the toilet?'
Can I use the bathroom?
How public lavatories are labeled on signs.
Common on signs in department stores and nicer establishments.
The restroom is that way.
Very common on signs everywhere.
Literally 'powder room', used on signs in upscale places like hotels or restaurants.
Occasionally seen on signs, borrowed from English.
The WC is over there.
In Japan, it's common to ask 'お手洗いはどこですか？' (Where is the restroom?) or simply 'トイレは？' in casual settings. Avoid direct translations of 'public lavatory' like '公衆便所' which sounds overly formal or crude.
お手洗い is more polite and often used by women or in formal contexts. トイレ is neutral and used by everyone. In casual conversation, トイレ is perfectly fine.
The toilet is this way.
The powder room is on the second floor.