How to say “Where is the bathroom” in Korean
- 화장실 어디예요hwajangsil eodiyeyo
Where is the bathroom?
"Where is the bathroom?" in Korean is 화장실 어디예요? (hwajangsil eodiyeyo?). 화장실 means bathroom or restroom, and 어디예요 means "where is it". It is short, polite and works anywhere.
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 화장실 어디예요 hwajangsil eodiyeyo | Polite | The everyday version. Polite enough for staff in restaurants, shops and stations. |
| 화장실이 어디예요 hwajangsiri eodiyeyo | Polite | The same question with the subject marker 이 added. Slightly more complete, same politeness. |
| 화장실 어디 있어요 hwajangsil eodi isseoyo | Polite | Literally "Where is the bathroom located?" Just as common as 어디예요. |
| 화장실 어디야 hwajangsil eodiya | Casual | For friends, for example at a friend's apartment or a party. |
| 화장실이 어디에 있습니까 hwajangsiri eodie itseumnikka | Formal | Very formal. Fine, but it can sound stiff in everyday places. |
Examples
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Asking a server in a restaurant
Looking for a restroom in a shopping mall
Visiting a friend's apartment
Tips
To get a staff member's attention first, say 저기요 (jeogiyo), which works like "excuse me". Then ask your question.
Public restrooms in Korea are usually free, and subway stations almost always have one. Look for 남 (men) and 여 (women) on the doors, or the signs 남자 and 여자.
화장실 is pronounced "hwa-jang-shil". If you add the subject marker it becomes 화장실이, which sounds like "hwa-jang-shi-ri".
Questions learners ask
How do you say bathroom in Korean?
Bathroom or restroom is 화장실 (hwajangsil). The same word is used for homes and public places.
What do 남 and 여 mean on restroom doors?
남 means men and 여 means women. They are short for 남자 (namja) and 여자 (yeoja).