Translation and Meaning of: 手洗い - tearai

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 手洗い (tearai) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: tearai

Kana: てあらい

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n2

手洗い

Translation / Meaning: bathroom; washbasin; wash hands

Meaning in English: restroom;lavatory;hand-washing

Definition: Wash your hands with water and soap.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (手洗い) tearai

The expression 「手洗い」 (tearai) is composed of the kanji 「手」, which means "hand", and 「洗い」, which means "to wash". The combination of these characters forms the word that literally translates to "washing hands". The idea of hand washing or manual cleaning is intrinsically linked to hygienic practices and daily rituals, especially in contexts such as before meals or after using sanitary facilities.

In Japanese culture and language, the practice of 「手洗い」 is not only an act of physical cleaning but also a gesture of purification, important in various cultural traditions. This practice is related to the belief in the importance of both physical and spiritual purity, reflecting the hygiene values that are held to a high standard in Japanese society. It is common to see the practice of washing hands also in temples, before prayers, as a symbolic ritual of spiritual cleansing.

Historically, the practice of 「手洗い」 dates back to ancient times, influenced by concepts of purity present in Buddhism and Shintoism, two major religions in Japan. Furthermore, globalization and developments in the medical understanding of personal hygiene have impacted and reinforced the importance of 「手洗い」 in disease prevention. In modern times, the need for good hand hygiene has been widely promoted by health authorities around the world, especially during outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Moreover, the word 「手洗い」 has evolved to include various methods and products related to hand cleaning, such as specific soaps and disinfectants. The importance of this practice is emphasized in schools, workplaces, and society in general, with visual reminders and instructions to ensure that people keep their hands clean, promoting collective health and reducing disease transmission.

Synonyms and similar words

洗面所 (Senmenjo) - Lavabo, area to wash hands and face.
トイレ (Toire) - Bathroom can refer to the room itself or to the toilet.
便所 (Benjo) - Bathroom, usually used in more informal or old-fashioned contexts.
公衆便所 (Kōshū benjo) - Public restroom.
トイレットペーパー (Toiretto pēpā) - Toilet paper.
トイレットペーパー置き場 (Toiretto pēpā okiba) - Place to store toilet paper.
お手洗い (Otearai) - Bathroom, a more respectful way to refer to the place.
お手洗い場 (Otearai ba) - Specific area of the bathroom, usually where there are sinks.
トイレット (Toiretto) - Regarding the bathroom, it can be used informally.
WC (Daburu shī) - Western term for bathroom, used in various contexts.
レストルーム (Resutorūmu) - Rest room that typically includes a bathroom.
サニタリー (Sanitarii) - Regarding sanitation, it generally refers to sanitary facilities.
バスルーム (Basurūmu) - Bathroom, usually with shower or bathtub.
ユニットバス (Yunitto basu) - Compact bathroom, where all elements (shower, toilet, sink) are in a single space.
水洗トイレ (Mizusen toire) - Toilet with water flush.
便器 (Benki) - Term for the toilet itself.
便槽 (Bensou) - Tank or container for bathroom waste.
便器台 (Benki dai) - Support or pedestal for the toilet.
便器周り (Benki mawari) - Area around the toilet.
便器内 (Benki nai) - Interior of the toilet bowl.
便器掃除 (Benki sōji) - Toilet cleaning.
便器蓋 (Benki futa) - Toilet lid.
便器ブラシ (Benki burashi) - Toilet bowl cleaning brush.
便器用洗剤 (Benki you senzai) - Specific detergent for toilet bowl cleaning.
便器用消臭剤 (Benki you shōshuzai) - Specific deodorant for toilet.