洗手间在哪里？
xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?
Where is the restroom · trad. 洗手間在哪裡？
洗手间在哪里？ (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli) is the standard and polite way to ask "Where is the restroom?" in Mandarin Chinese. It is appropriate in all public settings.
What does 洗手间在哪里？ (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?) mean?
洗手间在哪里？ (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?) means “where is the restroom” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “washroom at where?”
When to use it
Polite and common. While 厕所 (cèsuǒ) also means "toilet," it can sound blunter or more direct. For extra politeness, add 请问 (qǐngwèn, "excuse me") at the beginning.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “SHEE-show-jee-en ZAI NAH-lee.” The tones are generally third, third, first, fourth, third, neutral.
Other ways to say it
- 请问，洗手间在哪里？qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- 卫生间在哪里？wèishēngjiān zài nǎli?Where is the restroom? (another polite term)
- 厕所在哪里？cèsuǒ zài nǎli?Where is the toilet? (more direct)
Examples
请问，洗手间在哪里？
qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
我需要去洗手间。
wǒ xūyào qù xǐshǒujiān.
I need to go to the restroom.
洗手间在二楼，左转。
xǐshǒujiān zài èrlóu, zuǒzhuǎn.
The restroom is on the second floor, turn left.
Pro tip: Always carry your own tissues or toilet paper when traveling in China, as public restrooms often do not provide them.
Related phrases
地铁站在哪里？ · Where is the subway station怎么走？ · How do i get there离这儿远吗？ · Is it far from here
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