Why go to the toilet and go to the kitchen?

The two phrases "going to the toilet" and "going to the kitchen" appear frequently in daily language, and their use reflects Chinese idioms and cultural connotations. The reasons behind these two phrases are explained below:

1. Going to the toilet:

1. History and habits: In ancient China, toilets were usually built lower than the living area. This is both to facilitate drainage and to reduce the impact of odors on residential areas. Therefore, going to the toilet is figuratively called "going up", that is, going to a relatively low place.

2. Cultural implication: Although the construction of modern toilets is no longer limited by the terrain, the term "going to the toilet" has become deeply rooted in people's hearts and has become an idiom. It not only refers to physical movement, but also contains a metaphor for the transformation of private and personal space.

2. Kitchen:

1. The location of the kitchen: In traditional houses, the kitchen is often located at the rear or lower position of the house, which is in line with the need for smoke exhaust and Drainage and other functions. Therefore, going to the kitchen is called "going down", that is, going to a relatively low or rear place.

2. Nature of work: The kitchen is the place for cooking and food preparation in the family, and is usually closely related to housework. In ancient times, kitchen work was mostly performed by women, and the word "下" also carries a connotation of humility and service in some contexts, which is consistent with the nature of kitchen work.

3. Cultural habits: Over time, "going to the kitchen" has gradually become a fixed expression to refer to the activity of entering the kitchen for cooking or food preparation. This phrase is not only concise and clear, but also contains rich cultural connotations and living customs.

To sum up, the use of the two phrases "going to the toilet" and "going to the kitchen" is not only related to ancient architectural layout and living habits, but also reflects the customary usage and cultural connotation in Chinese. As fixed expressions in daily language, they have been deeply rooted in people's hearts and are widely accepted and used.