休息室 literally means 'rest room' — 休 (xiū) means 'to rest' or 'to take a break', 息 (xī) means 'to breathe' or 'to cease activity', and 室 (shì) means 'room'. Together, they form a compound noun referring to a designated indoor space where people can relax, sit quietly, or take short breaks away from work or formal activities. It’s commonly found in offices, airports, hospitals, schools, and conference centers.

Unlike the English word 'rest room' (which often means 'bathroom' in American English), 休息室 never refers to a toilet facility — that is always called 洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān) or 厕所 (cèsuǒ). Instead, 休息室 emphasizes comfort and temporary respite: it may have sofas, refreshments, reading materials, or quiet zones. The term carries a neutral-to-formal register and is appropriate in both professional and public contexts.