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March 24, 2026
厕所(廁所)cèsuǒ(ce4suo3)
厕所 (cè suǒ) refers to a toilet or lavatory, a common noun used in everyday life in Chinese-speaking countries. It is a practical term used in various contexts, including public facilities, homes, and restaurants, highlighting the importance of sanitation in daily life.
Frequency#1622DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, public toilets may not always meet Western hygiene standards, which can be surprising to visitors. Understanding local practices regarding toilets can help avoid discomfort during travel.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'test' (cè) where you must 'squat' (suǒ) to pass. Visualize a toilet with a sign that says 'test your aim!' to remember that 厕所 means toilet.
Meanings of 厕所
cèsuǒ(ce4suo3)
1toilet
2lavatory
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 厕所
厕所Simplified
廁所Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1622Frequency Rank
间Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 厕所
Podcast: 厕所
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AI Study Notes for 厕所
Quick Contrast
卫生间 (wèishēngjiān) refers specifically to a bathroom or washroom, often implying a space with additional facilities for hygiene beyond just a toilet, while 厕所 (cèsuǒ) is more general and can refer to any toilet facility.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'test' (cè) where you must 'squat' (suǒ) to pass. Visualize a toilet with a sign that says 'test your aim!' to remember that 厕所 means toilet.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 厕所 with other terms for bathroom, such as 洗手间 (xǐ shǒu jiān), which is more polite. It's typically used in informal situations, so in formal contexts, you may want to use the more refined term. Be careful with the tones: cè (4th) and suǒ (3rd) are crucial for clarity.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 厕所 connects learners with other vocabulary related to daily activities and facilities. Focus on its usage in practical dialogues, especially in situations involving travel or dining out.
Cultural Note
In China, public toilets may not always meet Western hygiene standards, which can be surprising to visitors. Understanding local practices regarding toilets can help avoid discomfort during travel.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to mix up the pronunciation, saying 'cè sùo' instead of 'cè suǒ'. Additionally, learners may confuse 厕所 with other words for bathroom, like 洗手间, leading to inappropriate usage in context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 厕所
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Grammar Patterns of 厕所
厕所 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
有一次他裤链没拉就出了____。
He once emerged from the toilets with his flies unfastened.
Example Sentences for 厕所 (8)
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1
有一次他裤链没拉就出了厕所。
yǒu yī cì tā kù liàn méi lā jiù chū le cè suǒ。
He once emerged from the toilets with his flies unfastened.
2
一到坦普尔站，夏洛特立即冲进了女厕所。
yī dào tǎn pǔ ěr zhàn， ， xià luò tè lì jí chōng jìn le nǚ cè。
At Temple station, Charlotte rushed into the Ladies.
There was a permanent 20-yard queue for the portable toilets.
6
厕所里爬满了虫子。
cè suǒ lǐ pá mǎn le chóng zǐ。
The toilet was full to the brim with insects.
7
她走进女厕所,往脸上泼了些水.
tā zǒu jìn nǚ cè suǒ, , wǎng liǎn shàng pō le xiē.
She went to the ladies and threw some water on her face.
8
我可以用用你们的厕所吗--我实在憋不住了.
wǒ kě yǐ yòng yòng nǐ mén de cè suǒ ma-- -- wǒ shí zài biē bù zhù.
May I use your lavatory I'm bursting ! ie I need to urinate urgently.
Cultural Notes for 厕所
🏮Cultural insight
In China, public toilets may not always meet Western hygiene standards, which can be surprising to visitors. Understanding local practices regarding toilets can help avoid discomfort during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions about 厕所
厕所 is more casual and commonly used, while 洗手间 is a more polite term often used in formal settings.
You can say '厕所在哪里？' (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?) meaning 'Where is the toilet?'.
Yes, 厕所 is understood in both regions, but in Taiwan, you might also hear 洗手间 more frequently.
