How to say "bathroom" in Japanese
Just like English, Japanese has several expressions to refer to a “bathroom”. The most neutral and common expression is お手洗い (おてあらい otearai). You can use it to anybody and at any occasion.
トイレ (toire) is another common expression. Although you probably don’t want to say this at a formal situation, it’s completely acceptable to use this word when speaking to your family members and friends.
化粧室 (けしょうしつ keshooshitsu) is basically the equivalent of “powder room”. If you’re feeling posh at an upscale restaurant, for example, this is the word to use! In English, we also say “ladies’ room”, but we do not have the Japanese equivalent of this expression.
Lastly, 便所（べんじょ benjo) is also a word that refers to a bathroom. But this is a kind of word that is only used by male speakers at very casual situations. Ladies, never use it! Boys, use it with caution!
トイレ (toire) is another common expression. Although you probably don’t want to say this at a formal situation, it’s completely acceptable to use this word when speaking to your family members and friends.
化粧室 (けしょうしつ keshooshitsu) is basically the equivalent of “powder room”. If you’re feeling posh at an upscale restaurant, for example, this is the word to use! In English, we also say “ladies’ room”, but we do not have the Japanese equivalent of this expression.
Lastly, 便所（べんじょ benjo) is also a word that refers to a bathroom. But this is a kind of word that is only used by male speakers at very casual situations. Ladies, never use it! Boys, use it with caution!