How do you use "Water closet" in a sentence?

The WC is on the right. A small water closet. Public WC.

Water closet

Q: What does "Water closet" mean?

Formal/old-fashioned term for toilet; abbreviated WC. 'Water closet' (WC) is a formal, somewhat old-fashioned term for toilet. 'WC' appears on many European toilet signs. Distinguishes a room with just toilet from a full bathroom.

Slang Term British ★★★☆☆ Moderate Formal

Practice this with flashcards, quizzes & audio on WordLoci →

Meaning: Formal/old-fashioned term for toilet; abbreviated WC.

厕所的正式/老式称呼；缩写为WC。

Término formal/anticuado para el váter; abreviado WC.

トイレの正式な・古風な呼び方。WCと略される。

화장실의 격식체·구식 표현. WC로 약칭.

'Water closet' (WC) is a formal, somewhat old-fashioned term for toilet. 'WC' appears on many European toilet signs. Distinguishes a room with just toilet from a full bathroom.

'Water closet'（WC）是厕所的正式、略显老式的称呼。'WC'出现在许多欧洲厕所的标志上。用来区分只有马桶的房间和完整的浴室。

'Water closet' (WC) es un término formal y algo anticuado para el váter. 'WC' aparece en muchas señales de aseos europeos. Distingue una habitación con solo un váter de un cuarto de baño completo.

「Water closet」（WC）はトイレの正式でやや古風な呼び方。「WC」はヨーロッパの多くのトイレの表示に使われている。バスルーム全体ではなくトイレだけの部屋を区別する。

'Water closet'(WC)은 화장실을 뜻하는 격식체의 다소 구식인 표현입니다. 'WC'는 유럽의 많은 화장실 표지판에 표기되어 있습니다. 욕실 전체가 아닌 변기만 있는 공간을 구분할 때 사용됩니다.

Examples

The WC is on the right.
卫生间在右边
El WC está a la derecha
お手洗いは右手にあります
화장실은 오른쪽에 있습니다.
A small water closet.
一个小卫生间
Un pequeño aseo
小さなトイレ
작은 화장실.
Public WC.
公共卫生间
WC público
公衆トイレ
공중 화장실.

Pronunciation

/ˈwɔːtə ˈklɒzɪt/

Usage Guide

Context: signage, formal

Tone: formal, technical

✓ Do Say

Formal/European term
正式的/欧洲的用语
término formal/europeo
正式な・ヨーロッパの呼び方
격식체·유럽식 표현

✗ Don't Say

Sounds very formal
听起来非常正式
Suena muy formal
非常にフォーマルに聞こえる
매우 격식적으로 들림

Common Mistakes

WC common on European signs

Origin & History

Descriptive term from when flush toilets using water were new. 'Closet' meant small private room. 'WC' became standard abbreviation on signs, especially in Europe.

Etymology: Water (flush) + closet (small room)

First recorded: 19th century

Cultural Context

Era: 19th century onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: European signage

Regional notes: British/European. WC on signs.

Variations

Water closetWC