How to Write 厕 (cè) — Meaning “toilet; restroom”

Imagine a factory (厂) where there is a strict rule (则) that everyone must use the toilet before leaving. This connects the building with the rule to form the word for toilet. Alternatively, think of the word "cesspool" starting with "ce" to link the pronunciation.

Write the radical 厂 first: a horizontal stroke then a left-falling stroke. Next, write the inside part 则: first the component 贝 (shell) with 4 strokes, then the cutting knife 刂 with 2 strokes. A common mistake is writing the 刂 before the 贝, so remember to finish the left side of 则 first.

厕 contains 则 inside, meaning "toilet". 压 (yā, to press) has 土 (earth) and a dot under the 厂, while 厌 (yàn, to dislike) has 犬 (dog) under the 厂. Visually, 厕 has a more complex interior, whereas the others have simpler shapes. Remember: 厕 = building + rule, 压 = building + earth + dot, 厌 = building + dog.

厕 appears in words like 厕所 (cè suǒ, toilet), 男厕 (men's restroom), and 公厕 (public restroom). It is formal and common on signs, though in daily conversation people often say 洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān, washroom) to be more polite. In China, public restrooms may have squat toilets, so it's helpful to recognize this character.

Common words containing 厕 include: 厕所 (cè suǒ) — toilet; restroom; 男厕 (nán cè) — Men's restroom; 公厕 (gōng cè) — Public restroom.