화장실 vs 세면실
Korean word comparison
Listen to 화장실
Listen to 세면실
| 화장실 | 세면실 |
|---|---|
hwa-JANG-sil noun | se-myeon-sil noun |
| restroom; bathroom; toilet | washroom; sink room (a room for washing hands/face) |
How they differ
Compared with '화장실', '세면실' focuses on sinks and the act of washing (hands/face) and is often a separate area in public buildings, hospitals, or hotels; it may or may not include toilets. '세면실' highlights washing facilities rather than the toilet itself.
When to use each
When to use 화장실: Use '화장실' for a general restroom or when you need to find a toilet.
When to use 세면실: Use '세면실' when referring to a dedicated washroom area or sinks, especially in formal buildings or facility maps.
Side-by-side examples
- 화장실은 몇 층에 있나요?
(Which floor is the restroom on?) - 세면실은 이쪽 복도 끝에 있습니다.
(The washroom is at the end of this corridor.)
Register & nuance: Neutral to slightly formal; commonly used in buildings and public facilities to denote a washroom area.