Translation and Meaning of: 便所 - benjyo
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 便所 (benjyo) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: benjyo
Kana: べんじょ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2
Translation / Meaning: bathroom; Restroom; rest room; latrine; comfort station
Meaning in English: toilet;lavatory;rest room;latrine;comfort station
Definition: A facility that stores excrement.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (便所) benjyo
The Japanese word 「便所」 (benjo) refers to a place designated for physiological needs, that is, a bathroom or restroom. The etymology of the word is made up of two distinct kanji: 「便」 (ben), which means "convenience" or "to facilitate," and 「所」 (jo), which means "place" or "location." Together, these two parts represent a convenient place, suitable for fulfilling basic needs.
Historically, the word 「便所」 emerged as a more popular way to refer to restrooms, especially in environments where formality was not a concern. Before the adoption of modern plumbing systems, sanitary facilities were considerably simple and often located in outdoor areas. The expression not only evokes the practical function of the place but also incorporates a pragmatic view of the essentially utilitarian nature of restrooms in everyday life.
Over time, more modern variables such as 「トイレ」 (toire), which derives from the English "toilet," have become common in Japan, especially in urban and more sophisticated environments. However, 「便所」 continues to be used, mainly in more traditional contexts or in rural areas. The introduction of foreign terminology reflects the cultural and technological evolution of the country, demonstrating how language systems can adapt and adjust vocabulary over time.
Synonyms and similar words
- トイレ (toire) - Bathroom
- お手洗い (otearai) - Restroom (more polite term)
- 便器 (benki) - Toilet
- 便所 (benjo) - Bathroom (common term)
- 公衆便所 (kōshū benjo) - Public restroom
- 簡易便所 (kan'i benjo) - Portable bathroom
- 便所小屋 (benjo koya) - Bathroom stall
- 便所舎 (benjo sha) - Bathroom building
- 便所棟 (benjo tō) - Bathroom section (in a building)
- 便所建物 (benjo tatemono) - Bathroom structure
- 便所施設 (benjo shisetsu) - Bathroom installations
- 水洗便所 (suisen benjo) - Bathroom with flush
- 和式便所 (washiki benjo) - Japanese style bathroom (squat)
- 洋式便所 (yōshiki benjo) - Western-style bathroom (sitting)
- トイレットペーパー (toiretto pēpā) - Toilet paper
- トイレットペーパーホルダー (toiretto pēpā horudā) - Toilet paper holder
- 便器ブラシ (benki burashi) - Toilet bowl brush
- 便器クリーナー (benki kurīnā) - Toilet bowl cleaning
- 便器消臭剤 (benki shōshuzai) - Toilet bowl deodorant
- 便器用洗剤 (benki yō senzai) - Toilet bowl cleaner
- 便器カバー (benki kabā) - Toilet seat cover
- 便座カバー (benza kabā) - Toilet seat cover
- 便座クッション (benza kusshon) - Toilet seat cushion
- 便座加熱器 (benza kanetsu ki) - Toilet seat heater
Words related
Words with the same pronunciation: べんじょ benjyo
How to Write in Japanese - (便所) benjyo
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (便所) benjyo:
Example Sentences - (便所) benjyo
Below are some example sentences:
Benjo ni wa toiretto peepaa ga hitsuyou desu
Toilet paper is needed for the bathroom.
- 便所 (benjo) - Restroom
- に (ni) - in
- は (wa) - topic particle
- トイレットペーパー (toiretto peepaa) - toilet paper
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 必要 (hitsuyou) - required
- です (desu) - verb ser/estar (polite form)
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun