In today’s vocabulary lesson I’m going to show you the 9 most common ways to say “water” in Japanese. Depending on whether you want to talk about drinking water, hot water, cold water, sparkling water, or water as one of the classical elements there are different Japanese words that you should use.
Mizu (水) and the politer omizu (お水) are the basic ways to say “water” in Japanese. They are commonly used when ordering water in restaurants or when talking about drinking water. When referring to water as one of the classical elements, however, the same kanji but the word sui (水) is used instead.
Read on if you want to know about all 9 words for water that are commonly used in Japanese. After a quick overview of all words, I’m going to tell you in detail the kanji, translations, and meanings of each of them and in which situations you should use them.
- mizu – 水
- omizu – お水
- oyu – お湯
- ohiya – お冷
- hiyashita omizu – 冷やしたお水
- tansansui – 炭酸水
- mineraru wootaa – ミネラルウォーター
- sui – 水
- yu – 湯
1. Mizu – Basic Word and Kanji for “Water” in Japanese
Mizu (水, みず) is the basic word and kanji for “water” in Japanese. It translates as “water“, especially cool and/or freshwater, or “drinking water“. Use this word whenever you want to talk about water that you can drink, feel like drinking water, or when asking your friends for some water.
The word can also be used to talk about fluids and liquids in general, but usually refers to a liquid or water that is not hot.
mizu
水
water
drinking water
2. Omizu – Formal Word When Ordering “Water”
Omizu (お水, おみず), or o-mizu, is the politer Japanese word for “water“. The prefix o (お) is commonly used to add politeness or a feeling of respect to a word. This is the word most commonly used when asking for water in Japanese and should be used in restaurants, cafes, and other formal situations.
omizu
お水
water (polite)
drinking water (polite)
glass of (water)
3. Oyu – When Asking for “Hot Water” in Japanese
Oyu (お湯, おゆ), is another common way to say water in Japanese, but in contrast to “mizu”, it means “hot (drinking) water” or “hot bath“. The word can be used when asking for or ordering “hot water” in a restaurant in Japanese, but also when talking about a comfortably hot bath or hot springs.
Please note that the word only refers to lukewarm or water that is comfortably warm, not boiling water. Nettou (熱湯) is the word Japanese people use to say “boiling water“.
oyu
お湯
hot water
hot drinking water
hot bath
4. Ohiya – “Cold Drinking Water” Served in Restaurants
Ohiya (お冷, おひや), or o-hiya, translates as “cold water” or “cold drinking water“. It is especially used for a “glass of cold drinking water” that is commonly served for free at sushi restaurants and other (upscale or chic) restaurants in Japan. However, the word is more commonly used by the staff.
While the word can be used to order cold or iced water, especially in the Kansai area, it might come across as old-fashioned, funny, or even strange, since it is specific jargon that was exclusively used inside sushi restaurants in the past.
ohiya
お冷
cold water
cold drinking water
(glass of) cold drinking water
5. Hiyashita Omizu – Used When Ordering “Iced Water”
Hiyashita omizu (冷やしたお水, ひやしたおみず) is the more common word used in everyday speech to ask for “cold water” or “iced water in Japanese. The first word hiyashita (冷やした) means “cooled“, “chilled“, or “refrigerated“, while the second word omizu (お水) is the polite way to say water in Japanese.
hiyashita omizu
冷やしたお水
cold water
iced water
6. Tansansui – Japanese Word for “Sparkling Water”
The Japanese word for “sparkling water“, “carbonated water“, “fizzy water“, or “water with gas” is tansansui (炭酸水, たんさんすい). Tansan (炭酸) stands for “carbonic acid” and “sui” is another pronunciation or way to read the kanji for water, which is 水.
Since carbonated water is not commonly served in Japanese restaurants you have to explicitly ask the staff for it.
tansansui
炭酸水
sparkling water
carbonated water
fizzy water
water with gas
7. Mineraru Wootaa – Japanese Word for “Bottled Water”
Mineraru Wootaa (ミネラルウォーター), or mineraru wōtā, is another way to say carbonated water or sparkling water in Japanese and translates as “mineral water” or “bottled water“. When you specifically want to have or order a bottle of (mineral) water for lunch or dinner you should use this word.
But again, serving mineral water or carbonated water is not that common in Japan.
mineraru wootaa
ミネラルウォーター
bottled water
mineral water
8. Sui – Basic Word for the Element “Water”
Sui (水, すい) is another common way to read the Japanese kanji for water and the word that should be used when referring to “water” as one of the four classical elements of nature, including fire, earth, and air. It is often used for magic, like the water release or water style techniques in Naruto.
sui
水
water (fifth of the five elements)
9. Yu – Meaning “Hot Water” or “Bathing Water”
Last but not least, we have the Japanese word yu (湯, ゆ), which can be translated as “hot water“, “hot bath“, “hot spring“, “bathing water“, or “hot bathing water“. It is the more casual form of the previously introduced oyu (お湯, おゆ).
Judging from my own experience here in Japan, the word yu (湯, ゆ) is most commonly used when referring to “hot baths” or “bathing water”, while the politer oyu (お湯, おゆ) is used when talking about or asking for “hot drinking water” at a restaurant.
yu
湯
hot water
hot bath
hot spring
bathing water
hot bathing water
Japanese Vocabulary: 3 Japanese words for “water” – Review Notes
Today, we will learn 3 Japanese words for “water”. Did you know that there is a different word for hot water in Japanese? It might not be what you think!
………………………………………………………………………………..
★ Today we will learn 3 words for “water” in Japanese.
★ You may have heard the words 水 (mizu) or お水 (omizu)
★ But have you heard the words お冷 (ohiya) or お湯 (oyu)?
★ Actually, 水 (mizu), お水 (omizu), and お冷 (ohiya) all are used for water that is not hot.
★ There is a special word for hot water in Japanese: お湯 (oyu)
★ Be careful; you cannot put the words for “hot” and “water” together like this: 熱い水 (atsui mizu). You have to use お湯 (oyu)
★ When ordering water in a restaurant, you can say: お冷をください。(Ohiya o kudasai.) or お水をください。(Omizu o kudasai.)
★ Of course, if you wanted hot water, you would have to say: お湯をください。(Oyu o kudasai.)
……………………………………………………………………………….
Conclusion:
Today we learned 3 ways to say “water” in Japanese! If you have any questions, leave a comment below!
……………………………………………………………………………….
Do you want a Japanese tutor?
Take Japanese Skype Lessons with Professional Japanese Teachers on kakehashijapan.com!
………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………..
There are a few different words for water in Japanese. Depending on the temperature or if it is drinking water you will use different words.
水 for Cold Water or just Water
The main word for water is 水. This is used when you are talking about water in general just like in English. The only exception is that it is not used when talking about hot water.
In English we can say hot water for the water we would make for tea or coffee. Or we could say bathwater for water in the tub. In Japanese, you don’t say either of the following
✖熱い水 – Hot water
✖温かい水 – Warm water
Instead Japanese has the word, 湯 which means hot water. Usually, it is said with the polite prefix お making it お湯 .
熱湯 for Boiling Water
If you are talking about boiling water or really hot water you would say 熱湯.
ぬるま湯 or Lukewarm Water
Lukewarm water is not quite cold enough to be 水. It is not quite hot enough to be お湯 either though. You refer to this temperature of water as ぬるま湯 in Japanese. This is fitting since the Japanese adjective for lukewarm is 温い.
お冷 for Cold Drinking Water
You can say 水 for cold drinking water. There is another word お冷 which is a polite word for cold drinking water.
So that is the different between 水 and お湯.If you want to learn more Japanese I reviewed a dictionary of grammar series which I personally recommend and use myself.
I also have several other posts on various topics on Japanese Universe if you are interested.
In Japanese, the word for water is “mizu”. Mizu can be written in kanji as 水 or in hiragana as みず. To say “I would like a glass of water”, you would say “Mizu o onegai shimasu” in polite form, or “Mizu o kudasai” in casual form.
There are many ways to say “water” in Japanese. The word for water is “mizu” in standard Japanese. There are also regional variations of the word for water. In the Kansai region, the word for water is “sui”. In the Kantō region, the word for water is “ai”. Here are a few more examples:
“Mizu no naka” – Inside of water
“Mizu o yamero” – Stop the
There are many ways to say “water” in Japanese.
The word for “water” is “mizu” (水).
Another word for water is “sui” (水).
Another word for water is “ao” (水).
- say お水 (o
- Mizu)
2. add ください (kudasai) to the end for “please”
3. for example: “can i have some water
There are a few different ways to say “water” in Japanese, いえす (iesu), みず (mizu), and うおん (uon). いえす is the most formal way to say it, while みず is the most commonly used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Japanese People Call Water?
In Japanese, water is called “mizu.”
Why Do Japanese People Throw Water On The Sidewalk?
One reason Japanese people throw water on the sidewalk is to clean it. Another reason is that they believe it will bring good luck.
What Does Water Mean In Japan?
Water is essential for life and holds great spiritual significance in Japan. There are numerous water deities in the Shinto religion, and purification rituals involve water. Lakes, rivers, and the ocean are all considered sacred, and there are many shrines and temples located near waterways.
To Review
Water is “mizu” in Japanese. It is pronounced like “mee-zoo”.
Author Dustin Wright
Posted Jun 7, 2022
Reads 2.1K
YouTube Answers
In Japanese, water is represented by the character 水. The pronunciation of this character is «mizu.»There are a variety of ways to say «water» in Japanese, depending on the context. Some other common ways to say «water» include:— お水 (おみず): «otonashi» or «oshimi»— お茶 (おちゃ): «ocha»— 湯 (ゆ): «yu»
For example, if you were asking someone for a drink of water, you would say «mizu o kudasai.»Water is an essential part of daily life in Japan. It is used for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and drinking. In Japanese culture, water is often seen as a symbol of purity and cleanliness.There are many beautiful waterfalls and hot springs located throughout Japan. The country is also home to some of the world’s most renowned mineral springs, such as those at the healing town of Kusatsu.Japan is a nation of islands, and as such, water is an important part of the country’s identity. From the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean to the tranquil beauty of a mountain stream, water is an ever-present part of the Japanese landscape.
Related Read: Where do water trucks get their water?
YouTube Videos
How do you say «bottled water» in Japanese?
In Japanese, the word for «bottled water» is «kangen sui.» Kangen sui is typically sold in convenience stores and vending machines in bottles or cartons. The word «kangen» (慣顔) means «city water» or «tap water,» and «sui» (水) means «water.» «Bottled water» is written with the Japanese characters for «bottled» (瓶) and «water» (水), and is pronounced «kangen sui.»
Kangen sui is not just any bottled water; it is water that has been purified and is safe to drink. The water is filtered and treated with ultraviolet light before it is bottled. This treatment kills any bacteria or viruses in the water. The water is then bottled in either PET plastic bottles or glass bottles. The PET bottles are made of recycled plastic and are safe to recycle. The glass bottles are made of recycled glass and are also safe to recycle.
Kangen sui is a convenient and safe way to drink water. The water is clean and tastes good. There is no need to worry about bacteria or viruses in the water. The water is also safe to recycle.
Related Read: Can water softener cause low water pressure?
How do you say «tap water» in Japanese?
The Japanese word for «tap water» is mizu. You can find this word in many Japanese dictionaries.
Mizu is pronounced «mee-zoo.» The «u» at the end of the word is silent.
In addition to «tap water,» mizu can also mean «water» in general. For example, you can say «mizu o kudasai» to mean «can I have some water?»
While mizu is the most common word for «water,» there are other words that can be used depending on the context. For example, the word for «sea water» is umi no mizu, while the word for «river water» is kawa no mizu.
When talking about water in terms of its chemical makeup, the word sui is used. For example, «h2o» would be «sui» in Japanese.
Knowing how to say «water» in Japanese is important, as it is a fundamental part of the language. Not only will you need to know how to say it when ordering a drink at a restaurant, but you’ll also come across it in many everyday conversations.
Related Read: Can ro water be used in place of distilled water?
How do you say «drinking water» in Japanese?
In Japanese, the word for «water» is mizu. To say «drinking water,» you would say mizu o nomu.
Water is essential to life, and access to clean, safe drinking water is a human right. In Japan, water is considered a sacred and spiritual element, and the country has a long history of reverence for water.
The Japanese word for «river» is kawa, and many Japanese rivers are considered holy sites. The most famous river in Japan is the Kamogawa, which runs through the city of Kyoto. The Kamogawa is considered a goddess, and her water is said to have healing powers.
The Japanese word for «ocean» is umi, and the ocean is also considered a holy site. There are many shrines and temples located on the coast, where people go to pray and give thanks to the ocean goddesses.
Water is also an important element in Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is a ritual that is steeped in tradition and symbolism, and it is considered an art form. The tea ceremony is a way to connect with others and to find peace and harmony.
In Japanese culture, water is a symbol of purity and healing. Drinking water is a way to purify oneself and to cleanse the body and soul. Water is also a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.
The Japanese language is rich with words and phrases that describe the different aspects of water. Here are some common words and phrases that you might hear when talking about water in Japanese:
Vocabulary
水 (みず): water
飲料水 (のりょうすい): drinking water
河 (かわ): river
川: stream, river
湖 (みずうみ): lake
海 (うみ): sea, ocean
山 (やま): mountain
泉 (いずみ): spring, fountain
滝 (たき): waterfall
雨 (あめ): rain
雪 (ゆき): snow
雷 (かみなり): thunder, lightning
風 (かぜ): wind
語彙
水を飲む (み
Related Read: What is culligan water?
How do you say «mineral water» in Japanese?
There are a few different ways to say mineral water in Japanese. One way is to say kasui, which is the word for spring water. Another way is to say seiyou mizu, which means mineral water. You can also say kouei mizu, which means carbonated water.
When it comes to mineral water, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that the Japanese word for mineral is kousui. While kasui refers to spring water, kousui refers to mineral water. Similarly, seiyou mizu refers to mineral water, while kouei mizu refers to carbonated water.
It’s important to be aware of the difference between these two types of water, as they are used for different purposes. Mineral water is often used for cooking or mixing with drinks, while carbonated water is often used for drinking on its own.
When ordering mineral water at a restaurant, it’s best to specify which type of water you want. Otherwise, the server may just bring you a bottle of carbonated water.
In general, mineral water is a healthy choice of beverage. It’s a good source of minerals and can help you stay hydrated. However, it’s important to check the label before buying, as some brands of mineral water can be high in sodium.
Related Read: What is a water hammock?
How do you say «spring water» in Japanese?
In Japanese, the word for «spring water» is «shuniku no mizu.» This word is written with the characters 春水, which can be read as «shuniku» or «harusui.» The word «mizu» means «water,» so this word can be read as «spring water» or simply «water.»
The character 春 means «spring,» and is often used in compounds to denote the season. The character 水 means «water.» Together, these characters form the word «shuniku,» which specifically refers to spring water.
The word «mizu» can be used alone to refer to water in general, but it can also be used as a suffix to denote a specific type of water, such as «shuniku no mizu» for spring water.
When talking about spring water in Japanese, it is important to note that there are two different types of spring water: natural spring water and mineral spring water. Natural spring water is simply water that comes from a spring, while mineral spring water is water that has been enriched with minerals.
To say «natural spring water» in Japanese, you would use the word «shizen no mizu,» which is written with the characters 自然の水. This word is read as «shizen no mizu» or «jizen no mizu.» The character 自然 means «nature,» and the character 水 means «water.» Together, these characters form the word «shizen,» which specifically refers to natural spring water.
To say «mineral spring water» in Japanese, you would use the word «kouen no mizu,» which is written with the characters 鉱泉の水. This word is read as «kouen no mizu» or «kosen no mizu.» The character 鉱 means «mine» or «ore,» and the character 泉 means «spring.» Together, these characters form the word «kouen,» which specifically refers to mineral spring water.
It should be noted that there are many different types of spring water in Japan, and each has its own unique name. For example, «suiyou no mizu» is a type of spring water that is known for its high iron content, and «mizu no sakura» is a
Related Read: What are water crackers?
How do you say «distilled water» in Japanese?
There are a few different ways to say “distilled water” in Japanese. One way is to say 精製水 (せいせいすい), which is the direct translation of “distilled water”. Another way is to say 濾過水 (ろっかすい), which means “filtered water”. A third way is to say 清澄水 (せいそくすい), which means “clear water”.
All of these terms are used to describe water that has been purified through a distillation process. In this process, water is boiled and the resulting steam is condensed back into water, leaving impurities behind. This type of water is often used in scientific experiments, as it is free from contaminants that could interfere with the results.
There are a few different ways to distill water in Japan. One common method is to use a 電気温熱式蒸留器 (でんきおんねつしきじゅうりゅうき), which is an electric still. This type of still uses electricity to heat the water and produce steam. The steam is then condensed back into water and collected in a separate container.
Another common method is to use a 水式蒸留器 (すいしきじゅうりゅうき), which is a water still. This type of still uses boiling water to produce steam, which is then condensed back into water. The water that is collected is often used for drinking, as it is free from impurities.
If you need to distill water for drinking, it is important to use a method that will remove all impurities from the water. Boiling water is a good way to remove impurities, but it will not remove all of them. The best way to remove all impurities from water is to use a distillation process.
There are many different ways to say “distilled water” in Japanese. The most common way is to say 精製水 (せいせいすい), which is the direct translation of “distilled water”. Another way is to say
Related Read: Where to watch the water?
How do you say «purified water» in Japanese?
There are a few different ways to say “purified water” in Japanese. One way is to say kakenagashi no mizu, which means “water that has been passed through a filter.” Another way to say it is seisui no mizu, which means “water that has been purified by boiling.”
No matter which term you use, it is important to remember that the Japanese word for water, mizu, can also be used to mean “juice,” “sauce,” or “broth.” As a result, it is important to clarify which meaning you are using when you say mizu in conversation.
When referring to purified water, the general term for water that has been treated in some way to make it safe for drinking, it is common to use the word kaiyo, which can be translated as “purified water.” This term is typically used when talking about water that has been filtered or distilled.
In addition, kaiyo can also be used to refer to mineral water, which is water that contains minerals that are beneficial to health. For example, many brands of bottled water in Japan are marketed as kaiyo and are advertised as being rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
If you want to specifically refer to distilled water, you can use the word kaihuku, which literally means “purified water.” This term is typically used in a scientific or medical context, such as when discussing water that has been distilled for use in a laboratory setting.
Finally, if you are looking for a more general term that can be used to refer to any type of purified water, you can use the word o-mizu, which means “water.” This term is not specific to purified water and can be used to refer to any type of water, including tap water.
Related Read: What are water chestnuts?
How do you say » sparkling water» in Japanese?
There are a few different ways to say “sparkling water” in Japanese, depending on the context. For example, you could say “konbini no mizu” (コンビニの水) to refer to the sparkling water that you buy from a convenience store. Or, you might say “yawaraka na mizu” (やわらかな水) to describe sparkling water in general.
If you want to be more specific, you could say “konbini no mizu wa, kin no torikara mizu ni naru” (コンビニの水は、金の砂利から水になる). This means that the sparkling water that you buy from a convenience store is made by adding carbon dioxide to water that has been filtered through crushed limestone.
Of course, you could also simply use the English word “sparkling water” in Japanese conversation. This would be written as “sukooringu woa-ta” (スコーリング・ウォーター) in katakana.
Related Read: Where does dallas get its water?
FAQs
How do you say milk and juice in Japanese?
The Japanese word for milk is «miruku.» The Japanese word for juice is «jūsu.»
How to say “water” in Japanese?
水 (mizu), お水 (omizu), and お冷 (ohiya) are all used for water that is not hot.
What is the Japanese word for drink?
The Japanese word for beverages or drinks is 飲み物 (nomimono).
How many nouns for rain in Japanese?
There are at least 50 Japanese nouns for rain.
How do I ask for an English menu in Japan?
Typically, you will ask for an English menu by saying the phrase “英語のメニューがありますか?” (eigo no menyuu ga arimasu ka?).
How do you ask for a bill in Japan?
In Japan, you usually order your food and drinks at the same time, and then ask for the bill afterwards. For example, you might say «kanpai!» ( cheers!) to your friends after ordering your food and drinks, and then say «saku» (money) when you want the bill.
How to say “Drink” in Japanese?
お願いします ( onegai shimasu – Please).
What is hiragana in Japanese language?
Hiragana is one of the two main writing systems in Japan, along with kanji. It consists of 26 characters and is used to write down Japanese words. Hiragana is composed of three blocks: a katakana block, a hiragana block, and a shinjitai block. Hiragana can be written in a left-to-right or right-to-left orientation.
How to write the hiragana character for a?
This hiragana character is written from left to right and top to bottom. The first step is to draw a horizontal line below the i, then draw an «a» letter above the line. Next, draw a diagonal line from the bottom-left corner of the horizontal line to the top-right corner of the horizontal line. Finally, connect these two corners by drawing a small circle underneath them.
What is the Japanese word for coffee?
The Japanese word for coffee is コーヒー (kōhī).
Why do Japanese prefer mineral water over tap water?
Some people believe that Japanese people prefer mineral water because it is healthier. Studies have shown that hard water can lead to problems such as calcium deposits on teeth, and other potential health concerns.
What is the difference between Japanese water and hard water?
Japanese water is harder than hard water. Hard water has a high level of magnesium in it and therefore has a slight bitterness and distinct flavor to it. In contrast, because Japanese water is softer and has less magnesium, it does not possess this unusual taste and is smoother, meaning that it is easier to drink.
What is the Japanese word for water?
The Japanese word for water is mizu which is spelled like this in hiragana: みず
Used Resources
The word for water in Japanese is “mizu”. There are many different ways to say it, but one of the most common would be “su.mu.” Another way might be “a-u” or even just a short version like “wa” if you’re not trying to sound fancy about it.
What name means water for a girl?
The name water means many things to different people. To some, it can mean life and hope. To others, it can be a symbol of freedom and rebirth. For some, water is the source of all that they need.
What is Japanese nigiri?
Japanese nigiri is a type of sushi that consists of a piece of raw fish on top of a small ball of rice. It is then wrapped in nori, the dried and pressed leaves of the sea vegetable laver.
What’s in nigiri sushi?
Nigiri is a type of sushi that consists of a small ball of rice with a piece of fish or other seafood on top. The word nigiri means to press in Japanese, and the name comes from the way the ingredients are pressed together to form one cohesive unit.
What is futomaki roll?
A futomaki roll is a type of sushi that is made with a thin sheet of nori (seaweed) wrapped around rice, and then cucumber, avocado, and omelet are rolled up in the sheet.
What is a water spirit called?
A water spirit is a type of fairy creature that lives in the water. They are usually seen as mermaids, but can also be seen as other types of aquatic creatures.
What is the Japanese devil?
The Japanese devil is a mythological creature that is said to live in the mountains of Japan. It has been described as having horns, wings, and a tail.
How do you identify a water moccasin?
The water moccasin is a venomous snake that can be found in the southeastern United States. They have a dark brown or blackish-brown, hourglass shaped head and body with yellowish-green eyes. They are usually about three feet long and their tail is longer than their body.