Translation guide
A room for changing clothes, typically in stores, gyms, pools, or workplaces. Japanese distinguishes between trying on clothes in a shop and changing for sports or work.
A small room or booth where customers try on clothes before buying.
Standard term for a fitting room in a shop. Literally 'try-on room'.
試着室はあちらです。
The changing rooms are over there.
May I try on this jacket in the changing room?
Loanword from English 'fitting room'. Common in fashion retail, especially in department stores.
フィッティングルームは2階にございます。
The fitting rooms are on the second floor.
A locker room where people change clothes for exercise or swimming, often with lockers and showers.
General term for a changing room in gyms, pools, schools, or workplaces. Often implies lockers are available.
プールの更衣室はどこですか。
Where is the pool changing room?
更衣室で着替えてから、トレーニングを始めます。
I'll change in the locker room and then start my workout.
A room where staff or students change into uniforms or work clothes.
Same word as for gyms, but context makes it clear. Often used in factories, hospitals, or schools.
工場の更衣室で作業着に着替えます。
I change into my work clothes in the factory changing room.
A room for undressing before entering the bath, and dressing afterward.
Specifically the changing area in a sento (public bath) or onsen (hot spring). Literally 'undressing place'.
脱衣所で服を脱いで、温泉に入ります。
You take off your clothes in the changing room and then enter the hot spring.
Also used in some facilities, but 脱衣所 is more specific to bathing contexts.
試着室 is only for trying on clothes in a store. 更衣室 is for changing clothes in gyms, pools, workplaces, or schools. 脱衣所 is specifically for undressing before bathing. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
デパートで「更衣室はどこですか」と聞くと、店員が驚くかもしれません。
If you ask 'Where is the changing room?' using 更衣室 in a department store, the staff might be surprised.
In a clothing store, you can simply say 試着してもいいですか (May I try this on?) and the staff will direct you to the fitting room. You don't always need to name the room.
Loanword for 'locker room'. Common in gyms and sports clubs, emphasizes the presence of lockers.
ロッカールームに荷物を置いてきます。
I'll leave my stuff in the locker room.
こちらの更衣室をご利用ください。
Please use this changing room.