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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

便所

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

SEARCH FOR MORE WORDS WITH THE SAME MEANING

Words related

トイレ

toire

bathroom; rest room; bathroom; washbasin

便

bin

mail; postage; flight (for example, air flight); service; opportunity; chance; Letter

手洗い

tearai

bathroom; washbasin; wash hands

大便

daiben

feces; excrement; Shit

御手洗い

otearai

bathroom; rest room; washbasin; bathroom (USA)

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:

便所にはトイレットペーパーが必要です。

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

便所