化粧室

• Reading: けしょうしつ
• Romaji: keshoushitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 化 (ke/ka) — transform, change; 粧 (shou) — adorn, cosmetics; 室 (shitsu) — room
• Pronunciation: /ke.ɕoː.ɕi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Toilet; lavatory; powder room. A polite, euphemistic term for a restroom.

A noun used as a refined euphemism for a restroom or bathroom. More elegant than トイレ (toire) and お手洗い (otearai), 化粧室 is commonly seen in upscale establishments such as hotels, department stores, and formal venues. Literally means 'makeup room,' reflecting its original purpose as a place to freshen up one's appearance. Often appears on signage in formal settings.

Examples

1. ホテルの化粧室はとても清潔だった。 The restroom at the hotel was very clean.
2. 化粧室はこちらの奥にございます。 The restroom is located at the far end on this side.
3. 食事の前に化粧室に寄った。 I stopped by the restroom before the meal.

Usage Guide

Context: hotels, restaurants, public facilities

Tone: polite

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 化粧 (keshou, makeup/cosmetics: 化 transform + 粧 adorn) + 室 (shitsu, room). Literally 'cosmetics room' — a euphemistic upgrade from the direct word for restroom.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal