How to Say “Where is the bathroom?” in Chinese
Getting around · HSK 2
"Where is the bathroom?" in Chinese is 洗手间在哪里？ (xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ). The polite question in China is 洗手间在哪里 (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ), literally "hand-washing room where?". 洗手间 is the neutral restaurant/office word.
Primary translation
洗手间在哪里？
xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ
Traditional: 洗手間在哪裡？
Variants by register
Casual
厕所在哪儿？
cè suǒ zài nǎ er
When to use it
The polite question in China is 洗手间在哪里 (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ), literally "hand-washing room where?". 洗手间 is the neutral restaurant/office word. 厕所 (cèsuǒ, "toilet") is casual and sounds more direct. 卫生间 (wèishēngjiān, "hygiene room") is standard in Mainland signs. In Taiwan, 化妆室 (huàzhuāngshì, "dressing room") is common on signs. Pointing while asking is perfectly polite.
Example sentences
请问，洗手间在哪里？
Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
厕所在二楼。
Cèsuǒ zài èr lóu.
The toilet is on the second floor.
卫生间就在那边。
Wèishēngjiān jiù zài nàbian.
The bathroom is right over there.