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March 24, 2026
洗手间(洗手間)xǐshǒujiān(xi3shou3jian1)
洗手间 (xi3 shou3 jian1) refers to a washroom or restroom where people can wash their hands and use the toilet. It is a common term used in both formal and informal settings when asking for or describing a place to relieve oneself.
Frequency#2497DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and public washrooms often reflect this. Many places provide hand sanitizers and encourage frequent handwashing, especially in urban areas.
Memory Tip
Imagine a little hand washing (洗) its hands (手) in a small room (间). The character 洗 resembles water flowing down, reminding you of washing, while 手 means hand, and 间 indicates a room. Picture a tiny hand happily splashing in a washroom, and you'll remember 'xi3 shou3 jian1' means washroom.
Meanings of 洗手间
xǐshǒujiān(xi3shou3jian1)
1toilet
2lavatory
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About 洗手间
洗手间Simplified
洗手間Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2497Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 洗手间
Podcast: 洗手间
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AI Study Notes for 洗手间
Quick Contrast
卫生间 (wèishēngjiān) - use 洗手间 when emphasizing handwashing facilities, while 卫生间 is more general for hygiene-related purposes.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a little hand washing (洗) its hands (手) in a small room (间). The character 洗 resembles water flowing down, reminding you of washing, while 手 means hand, and 间 indicates a room. Picture a tiny hand happily splashing in a washroom, and you'll remember 'xi3 shou3 jian1' means washroom.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 洗手间; it is suitable for public and private settings but may sound too casual in very formal situations. A common mistake is using the word '厕所' (cè suǒ) in formal contexts, which can be considered less polite.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 洗手间 connects with other vocabulary related to daily life and public facilities. Focus on using it in sentences, such as asking for directions or inquiring about cleanliness.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and public washrooms often reflect this. Many places provide hand sanitizers and encourage frequent handwashing, especially in urban areas.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 洗手间 with 厕所, thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, while both mean restroom, 洗手间 is more polite, making it the better choice in formal situations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 洗手间
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Grammar Patterns of 洗手间
洗手间 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
xǐ shǒu jiān zài zǒu láng jìn tóu yòu zhuǎn de dì fāng.
The restroom is at the end of the hallway to the right.
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Cultural Notes for 洗手间
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and public washrooms often reflect this. Many places provide hand sanitizers and encourage frequent handwashing, especially in urban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about 洗手间
Yes, 洗手间 is considered polite and appropriate for both formal and informal conversations.
While 厕所 (cè suǒ) is also correct, it is less formal and may not be suitable in polite company.
