noun
Dated term for a toilet, especially a traditional non-flush type. In modern Japanese, トイレ or お手洗い are used instead.
昔の家では、かわやは外にあった。
In old houses, the toilet was outside.
Modern standard word for toilet, used in everyday conversation.
Polite modern term for restroom, commonly used in public places.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 厠 is a historical Chinese character for toilet, and the reading かわや may be of native origin.