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A2 noun 9 min read

水道

suido

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 水道 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 水道 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'suidō' as a basic word for 'tap' or 'water supply.' You will mostly use it in very simple sentences like 'Suidō wa doko desu ka?' (Where is the tap/water?) or 'Suidō o shimete kudasai' (Please turn off the water). At this stage, the focus is on identifying the word in a household or school environment. You might see it in your first Japanese textbook when learning about household items. It is important to distinguish it from 'mizu' (water), which you drink. Think of 'suidō' as the machine or place where the 'mizu' comes from. You will also learn that Japanese tap water is safe to drink, which is a helpful cultural fact for beginners visiting Japan. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a simple noun that you can point to or ask about.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'suidō' in the context of daily routines and basic responsibilities. You will learn compound words like 'suidō-dai' (water bill) and 'suidōsui' (tap water). You should be able to describe simple problems, such as 'Suidō ga koshō shimashita' (The water supply/tap is broken). You will also start using more specific verbs like 'hineru' (to twist) or 'tomeru' (to stop/turn off). At this level, you might encounter 'suidō' in short reading passages about living in Japan or in dialogues about moving into a new apartment. You should understand that 'suidō' is part of the 'lifeline' (raifurain) utilities, along with gas and electricity. You can now use it to ask for permission or give instructions, such as 'Suidō o tsukatte mo ii desu ka?' (May I use the water/tap?).

At the B1 level, your understanding of 'suidō' expands to include social and environmental contexts. You can discuss the cost of living in more detail, comparing 'suidō-dai' across different cities or seasons. You will become familiar with terms like 'dansui' (water outage) and 'fukkyū' (restoration), which are common in news reports or building notices. You can explain more complex situations, such as 'Suidō no paipu ga haretsu shite, mizu-bitashi ni narimashita' (The water pipe burst and everything got soaked). At this stage, you should also be aware of the different registers; for example, using 'jōsuidō' in a formal document versus 'suidō' in conversation. You might read about Japan's water purification technology or the history of how the water system was built. Your ability to use 'suidō' in the passive voice or with causative structures also develops, like 'Suidō o naoshite morau' (To have the water supply fixed).

At the B2 level, you can use 'suidō' to engage in discussions about public policy, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. You might discuss the privatization of water services ('suidō no mineika') or the challenges of maintaining aging pipes in rural areas. You will understand technical terms like 'kyūsui setsubi' (water supply facilities) and 'suishitsu kijun' (water quality standards). In academic or professional settings, you can describe the process of water treatment or the legal obligations of the 'Suidō-kyoku' (Water Bureau). You are also expected to understand idiomatic or metaphorical uses, such as 'suidō tetsugaku' (the 'water supply philosophy' of Konosuke Matsushita, which argues that products should be as cheap and abundant as tap water). Your vocabulary is rich enough to distinguish between 'suidō' and more specific engineering terms like 'dōsuikan' (aqueduct/conduit).

At the C1 level, you possess a nuanced understanding of 'suidō' within the broader context of Japanese history, law, and urban engineering. You can read and analyze the 'Suidō-hō' (Water Supply Act) and discuss its implications for public health. You are familiar with the historical evolution of water systems from the 'Kanda Josui' of the Edo period to modern earthquake-resistant piping. You can articulate complex arguments regarding water rights, the environmental impact of dams on the 'suidō' system, and the geopolitical aspects of water security. Your language use is precise, allowing you to discuss the 'suidō' system's role in urban resilience and its integration with smart city technologies. You can also appreciate the literary or sociological significance of the 'suidō' as a symbol of modernity and civilization in Japanese literature.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'suidō' and can use it with absolute precision in any context, from highly technical engineering debates to poetic or philosophical discourses. You can navigate the most complex legal disputes involving water utilities and provide expert commentary on the socio-economic factors affecting Japan's water infrastructure. You are capable of understanding and producing professional-grade reports on 'suidō' management, including financial audits of municipal water bureaus and technical assessments of purification technologies. Your cultural fluency allows you to understand the deepest connotations of the word, including its role in the Japanese collective consciousness as a symbol of safety and reliability. You can effortlessly switch between the highly specialized terminology of hydraulic engineering and the colloquialisms of everyday life, maintaining perfect register and tone.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

水道 in 30 Seconds

Suidō refers to the water supply system and the tap water in Japan.
It is a compound of 'water' and 'path,' representing infrastructure.
Japanese tap water (suidōsui) is safe to drink and highly reliable.
Commonly used when discussing utility bills (suidō-dai) or plumbing issues.

The word 水道 (すいどう - suidō) is a fundamental noun in the Japanese language that every learner must master early on. Literally translated as 'water path' or 'water way,' it refers to the entire infrastructure of the water supply system, the tap from which water flows, and the water itself when it is sourced from that system. While 'mizu' (水) refers to the substance of water in any form, 'suidō' specifically denotes the utility and the mechanism that brings water into homes, businesses, and public spaces.

Core Concept: The infrastructure, pipes, and taps that provide treated water to a building or city area.
Daily Use: Used when talking about bills, turning on the faucet, or checking for leaks in the kitchen or bathroom.

In Japan, the water supply system is world-renowned for its cleanliness and safety. Unlike in many other countries where tap water might require filtering or boiling, Japanese suidōsui (tap water) is generally safe to drink directly from the faucet. This cultural reality makes the word 'suidō' very common in daily life, as people rely on it for cooking, cleaning, and hydration without a second thought. When you are looking for a place to refill a water bottle in a park, you would look for a 水道.

この町の水道水はとても美味しいです。 (The tap water in this town is very delicious.)

Furthermore, the word encompasses both the 'upstream' supply (上水道 - jōsuidō) and the 'downstream' sewage (下水道 - gesuidō). However, in common parlance, simply saying 'suidō' almost always refers to the clean water coming in. If your sink is broken, you call a suidō-ya (plumber). If you forget to pay your utility bill, you are worried about the suidō-dai (water bill).

Historically, the development of the suidō system was a major milestone in Japanese urbanization. From the wooden pipes of the Edo period to the high-tech purification plants of modern Tokyo, the 'path of water' has been central to Japanese public health and urban planning. When you use this word, you are tapping into a vital part of the social contract in Japan—the provision of clean, reliable water to every citizen.

Using 水道 correctly requires understanding its role as both a physical object (the tap) and an abstract service (the water supply). It is most frequently paired with verbs relating to movement, control, and maintenance. Because it is a noun, it can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or part of a compound noun phrase.

Action: Turning On/Off: To turn on the water, you use suidō o hineru (to twist the tap) or suidō o akeru (to open the water). To turn it off, you use suidō o tomeru.
Status: Conditions: If the water is running, you say suidō ga dete iru. If there is a leak, it is suidō ga morete iru.

手を洗うときは、水道を出しっぱなしにしないでください。 (Please don't leave the water running when you wash your hands.)

One of the most common compound words you will encounter is suidō-dai (水道代). In Japan, utility bills are often discussed in the context of monthly expenses. You might say, "Kongetsu wa suidō-dai ga takakatta" (The water bill was expensive this month). Another critical term is dansui (断水), which means the water supply has been cut off, usually for maintenance or due to a disaster. In such cases, you might hear: "Ashita wa kōji no tame ni dansui shimasu" (The water will be cut off tomorrow for construction).

台所の水道が故障してしまいました。 (The kitchen tap/water supply has broken.)

When referring to the liquid itself, suidōsui (水道水) is the specific term for tap water. If you are at a restaurant and want tap water instead of bottled water, you might clarify by asking for 'suidōsui' or simply 'omizu' (though 'omizu' is more common in that specific social setting). In a technical or official setting, such as when filling out forms for a new apartment, you will see 'suidō' listed under utilities along with gas and electricity (denki).

You will encounter 水道 in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the mundane to the urgent. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the word even when it's spoken quickly or used in specialized settings. It is a word that bridges the gap between domestic life and civil engineering.

At Home: Parents telling children: "Suidō o chanto shimete!" (Close the tap properly!). Also, discussing the monthly budget and the 'suidō-dai'.
Public Announcements: In apartment buildings, notices often say: "Suidō kōji no oshirase" (Notice of water supply construction). During natural disasters like earthquakes, news reports will focus on 'suidō no fukkyū' (restoration of the water supply).

地震の後、水道が止まってしまいました。 (After the earthquake, the water supply stopped.)

In the business world, specifically in real estate and hospitality, 'suidō' is a standard term. When looking for an apartment, the agent will explain if 'suidō-chi' (water charges) are included in the rent. In hotels, signs near the sink might read: "Kono suidō wa nomemasu" (This tap water is drinkable). You might also see the 'Suidō-kyoku' (Water Bureau) vehicles driving around city streets, often painted in distinctive colors with the city's emblem.

Another interesting place you'll hear this is in 'suidō-ya' commercials on TV or stickers on your mailbox. These are 24/7 emergency plumbers who specialize in fixing 'suidō toraburu' (water supply troubles). They often have catchy jingles or bright, urgent-looking magnets that every Japanese household seems to have on their refrigerator. They use the word 'suidō' to immediately signal that they handle pipes, toilets, and kitchen sinks.

While 水道 is a straightforward word, English speakers often make nuanced mistakes by overusing it or confusing it with the general word for water, mizu (水). Understanding the boundaries of 'suidō' is key to sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing Substance with System: Saying "Suidō o nomitai" (I want to drink the water supply) sounds like you want to swallow the pipes. You should say "Suidōsui o nomitai" or simply "Mizu o nomitai".
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Verb for 'Turning On': Beginners often use 'tsukeru' (to turn on an electronic device) for water. While 'tsukeru' is used for lights and TVs, for 'suidō', you must use 'dasu' (to let out), 'hineru' (to twist), or 'akeru' (to open).

❌ 水道をつけます。 (Incorrect: Turning on water like a light switch.)
✅ 水道を出します。 (Correct: Letting the water flow.)

Another common error is failing to distinguish between 'suidō' and 'jaguchi' (蛇口). 'Suidō' is the system/utility, while 'jaguchi' is the physical faucet or spout. If the metal handle is broken, it's a 'jaguchi no koshō'. If the water has stopped flowing to the whole house, it's a 'suidō no koshō'. Using 'suidō' when you specifically mean the metal faucet is understandable but less precise.

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 'suidō' is an uncount noun in its conceptual sense but functions as a regular noun in grammar. You don't need a counter like 'one water supply' unless you're talking about specific contracts or lines. Avoid translating phrases like 'a water' literally; instead, think about whether you are talking about the service, the bill, or the liquid itself. If it's the liquid from the tap, 'suidōsui' is your best friend.

To truly master Japanese, you need to know the 'neighbors' of 水道. There are several words that relate to water and utilities that might be used instead depending on the context. Knowing these will help you navigate technical manuals, utility bills, and casual conversations more effectively.

蛇口 (じゃぐち - Jaguchi): This refers specifically to the physical faucet or tap. If you are talking about the hardware itself, use this. Example: "Jaguchi kara mizu ga morete iru" (Water is leaking from the faucet).
飲料水 (いんりょうすい - Inryōsui): This means 'drinking water'. It is more formal and used on labels or in safety instructions. While 'suidōsui' is tap water, 'inryōsui' can be any water that is safe to drink.
上水道 vs 下水道 (Jōsuidō vs Gesuidō): 'Jōsuidō' is the clean water supply system. 'Gesuidō' is the sewage/drainage system. You'll see these on city tax documents or utility bills.

公園に水飲み場があります。 (There is a water drinking fountain in the park.)

Another related term is mizu-mawari (水回り). This refers to all areas in a house that involve water, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet. When looking for a house, people check the 'mizu-mawari' to see if they are clean and modern. If you're talking about the plumbing in general, this is a very useful word. Additionally, kyūsui (給水) means 'water supply' in a more technical or service-oriented sense, often used when water is being provided to a disaster area via trucks (kyūsuisha).

In summary, while 'suidō' is the most versatile and common term for the everyday tap and water system, 'jaguchi' is for the hardware, 'inryōsui' is for the safety of the liquid, and 'jōsuidō' is for the official utility. Using 'suidō' is almost always safe, but these alternatives add a layer of sophistication to your Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The first major 'suidō' in Tokyo was the Kanda Josui, completed in the early 1600s, which used wooden pipes to distribute water across the city.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /suːi.doʊ/

US /su.i.doʊ/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'Suidō' typically has a Low-High-High (LHH) pitch pattern in standard Tokyo Japanese.

Rhymes With

Kudō (工藤) Budō (武道) Shudō (主導) Mudō (無道) Fudō (不動) Kyōdō (共同) Ryōdō (領土 - near rhyme) Idō (移動)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'u' too strongly like 'soo-ee-doh'. In Japanese, the 'u' is shorter and less rounded.
Merging 'u' and 'i' into a single diphthong. They should be distinct syllables.
Shortening the final 'o' sound. It is a long vowel (ou/ō) and should be held for two beats.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji are basic but the word is essential for daily life.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'mizu' is easy; 'dō' (path) requires some practice.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce with simple pitch accent.

Listening 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

水 (Water) 道 (Path) 代 (Fee/Charge) 出す (To put out) 止める (To stop)

Learn Next

電気 (Electricity) ガス (Gas) 家賃 (Rent) 蛇口 (Faucet) 故障 (Breakdown)

Advanced

浄水場 (Purification plant) 漏水 (Leakage) 配管工 (Plumber) 渇水 (Water shortage)

Grammar to Know

Compound Nouns with ~代 (dai)

水道代 (suidō-dai), 電気代 (denki-dai), ガス代 (gasu-dai).

Verb ~ppanashi (leaving something on)

水道を出しっぱなしにする (Leave the water running).

Potential Form (~eru/rareru)

水道水は飲めます (Tap water is drinkable).

Transitive vs Intransitive (tomeru vs tomaru)

水道を止める (I stop the water) vs 水道が止まる (The water stops).

Noun + no + Noun

水道の蛇口 (The tap of the water supply).

Examples by Level

水道はどこですか。

Where is the water tap?

Simple question using 'doko' (where).

水道を閉めてください。

Please turn off the tap.

Using the 'te-form' for a polite request.

これは水道の水です。

This is tap water.

Using 'no' to link two nouns.

水道が壊れました。

The water supply/tap broke.

Past tense of 'kowareru' (to break).

水道を使います。

I use the water/tap.

Basic subject-object-verb structure.

水道の水は冷たいです。

The tap water is cold.

Using an i-adjective to describe a noun.

水道をひねります。

I twist the tap (to turn it on).

Specific verb 'hineru' for twisting actions.

学校の水道です。

It's the school's water fountain.

Possessive 'no' indicating location/belonging.

水道代を払いましたか。

Did you pay the water bill?

Compound noun 'suidō-dai' (water bill).

水道を出しっぱなしにしないで。

Don't leave the water running.

Using '~ppanashi' to indicate a continuous state.

台所の水道を直してください。

Please fix the kitchen tap.

Direct object with 'o' and request form.

水道水は飲めますか。

Is the tap water drinkable?

Potential form of 'nomu' (to drink).

水道の蛇口がゆるいです。

The water faucet is loose.

Specific term 'jaguchi' (faucet).

毎月、水道代がかかります。

It costs money for water every month.

Verb 'kakaru' for costs or time.

水道の工事をしています。

They are doing water supply construction.

Continuous form 'te-iru'.

お風呂の水道が止まりません。

The bathroom water won't stop.

Negative form of 'tomaru' (to stop).

明日は断水なので、水道が使えません。

Since the water will be cut off tomorrow, we can't use the taps.

Using 'node' for reason and potential negative 'tsukaenai'.

水道局に電話して、修理を頼みました。

I called the Water Bureau and asked for a repair.

Compound noun 'Suidō-kyoku' (Water Bureau).

このアパートは水道代が家賃に含まれています。

In this apartment, the water bill is included in the rent.

Passive form 'fukumarete iru'.

水道のパッキンを交換する必要があります。

It is necessary to replace the water tap's washer.

Noun + 'o koukan suru hitsuyō ga aru'.

水道から濁った水が出てきました。

Cloudy water came out of the tap.

Adjective 'nigotta' (cloudy/muddy).

地震で水道が止まって、とても困りました。

The water stopped due to the earthquake, which was very troubling.

Using the 'te-form' to show cause and effect.

水道の蛇口をしっかり閉めてください。

Please close the water faucet tightly.

Adverb 'shikkari' (firmly/tightly).

古い家なので、水道の出が悪いです。

Because it's an old house, the water flow is poor.

Noun phrase 'suidō no de' (water flow/output).

自治体によって水道料金の設定が異なります。

Water rate settings differ depending on the local government.

Using '~ni yotte' (depending on).

水道の老朽化が社会問題になっています。

The aging of the water supply system is becoming a social issue.

Noun 'rōkyūka' (aging/deterioration).

水道水を浄水器でろ過して飲んでいます。

I drink tap water after filtering it with a water purifier.

Verb 'roka suru' (to filter).

水道の蛇口からポタポタと水が漏れています。

Water is dripping 'drip-drip' from the faucet.

Onomatopoeia 'pota-pota' for dripping.

マンションの水道ポンプが故障し、全館断水となった。

The apartment's water pump broke, resulting in a building-wide water cutoff.

Formal 'toshite' structure or resultative 'to natta'.

水道哲学は、松下幸之助の有名な経営理念です。

The 'Water Supply Philosophy' is a famous management philosophy by Konosuke Matsushita.

Specific philosophical term.

災害時に備えて、水道が止まった時のための水を備蓄する。

In preparation for disasters, we stockpile water for when the supply stops.

Structure '~no toki no tame no' (for the time when...).

この地域の水道は地下水を水源としています。

The water supply in this area uses groundwater as its source.

Structure 'A o B to shite iru' (using A as B).

水道事業の民営化を巡って、激しい議論が交わされた。

A heated debate was held regarding the privatization of the water supply business.

Using '~o megutte' (concerning/surrounding).

江戸時代の水道システムは、当時としては極めて先進的だった。

The water supply system of the Edo period was extremely advanced for its time.

Structure 'toushi to shite wa' (for that time).

水道管の耐震補強工事が急ピッチで進められている。

Seismic reinforcement work for water pipes is proceeding at a rapid pace.

Compound 'taishin hokyō' (seismic reinforcement).

高度経済成長期に整備された水道インフラが更新時期を迎えている。

The water infrastructure developed during the high economic growth period is reaching its renewal period.

Relative clause modifying 'infura' (infrastructure).

漏水調査により、地下での水道管の破損が判明した。

A leakage survey revealed damage to the underground water pipes.

Noun 'rousui' (water leakage).

水道法改正により、広域連携による事業運営が可能となった。

The amendment to the Water Supply Act made it possible to operate businesses through wide-area cooperation.

Using '~ni yori' to indicate cause/method.

持続可能な水道経営のためには、料金体系の見直しが不可欠だ。

For sustainable water supply management, a review of the rate structure is indispensable.

Adjective 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

水道の蛇口を捻れば水が出るという当たり前を維持するのは容易ではない。

It is not easy to maintain the 'obvious' reality that water comes out when you twist the tap.

Using a clause as a noun phrase with 'to iu atarimae'.

本市における水道事業の広域化は、人口減少下での経営基盤強化を企図したものである。

The regionalization of the water supply business in this city is intended to strengthen the management foundation under a declining population.

Highly formal 'dearu' style and technical vocabulary.

水道施設の適切なアセットマネジメントが、将来の更新費用抑制の鍵を握る。

Appropriate asset management of water facilities holds the key to suppressing future renewal costs.

Using katakana 'asetto manejimento' in a professional context.

浄水場における高度浄水処理プロセスの導入により、カビ臭等の問題が劇的に改善された。

The introduction of advanced water treatment processes at purification plants has dramatically improved issues such as musty odors.

Causative structure using 'dōnyū' (introduction).

水道水の供給責任を全うするため、職員は24時間体制で監視に当たっている。

To fulfill the responsibility of supplying tap water, staff are engaged in monitoring on a 24-hour basis.

Verb 'mattou suru' (to fulfill/complete).

未普及地域の解消は、公衆衛生の観点から水道行政の最優先課題の一つであった。

Eliminating areas without coverage was one of the top priorities of water administration from the perspective of public health.

Complex noun strings like 'koushuu eisei no kanten' (perspective of public health).

水道メーターのスマート化は、検針業務の効率化のみならず、高齢者の見守りサービスへの応用も期待される。

Making water meters 'smart' is expected not only to streamline meter reading but also to be applied to monitoring services for the elderly.

Structure 'nominarazu' (not only... but also).

気候変動に伴う水源の枯渇リスクに対し、多角的な水道資源の確保策が求められている。

In response to the risk of water source depletion due to climate change, multifaceted measures to secure water resources are required.

Passive form 'motomerarete iru' (is being required).

水道事業体の経営自立性を高めるためには、受益者負担の原則に基づいた適正な価格設定が不可欠である。

To increase the management autonomy of water utilities, appropriate pricing based on the principle of beneficiary payment is essential.

Using '~ni motozuita' (based on).

Common Collocations

水道代

水道局

水道工事

水道をひねる

水道を止める

水道が漏れる

水道水

水道管

水道を引く

水道料金

Common Phrases

水道を出しっぱなしにする

— To leave the tap water running continuously without stopping it.

水道を出しっぱなしにしないでください。

水道が止まる

— The water supply has stopped, either due to a bill issue or a technical failure.

急に水道が止まった。

水道をひねる

— To turn the handle of a faucet to start the flow of water.

水道をひねるとお湯が出ます。

水道代が高い

— The water bill is expensive/high this month.

今月は水道代が高いですね。

水道を直す

— To fix a problem with the tap or the water supply system.

業者が水道を直してくれた。

水道の水

— Water that comes from the tap (synonymous with suidōsui).

水道の水をコップに入れる。

水道の蛇口

— The specific physical part of the tap that you touch.

水道の蛇口が壊れた。

水道局の人

— A person who works for the municipal water department.

水道局の人が点検に来た。

水道が通る

— For water lines to be established or for water to start flowing again.

ようやく村に水道が通った。

水道トラブル

— General issues involving plumbing or water supply.

水道トラブルは24時間受付中です。

Often Confused With

水道 vs 水 (Mizu)

Mizu is the substance (water). Suidō is the system or source (tap/utility).

水道 vs 蛇口 (Jaguchi)

Jaguchi is the physical metal faucet. Suidō is the broader water supply.

水道 vs 井戸 (Ido)

Ido is a well. Suidō is the municipal piped water.

Idioms & Expressions

"水道哲学"

— A business philosophy stating that products should be made cheap and abundant like tap water.

彼は水道哲学に基づいて会社を経営した。

Business/Historical

"水道の栓を締める"

— Literally to close the tap, but can imply tightening control or stopping a flow of resources.

無駄遣いをやめるために、家計の水道の栓を締める。

Metaphorical

"水道から水が出るように"

— As naturally and easily as water coming out of a tap.

水道から水が出るように、アイデアが次々と湧いてくる。

Simile

"水道の蛇口を全開にする"

— To open the tap fully; can mean to use resources to the maximum.

彼は才能の蛇口を全開にして作品を作った。

Metaphorical

"水道代を浮かす"

— To save money on the water bill (often through clever means).

雨水を利用して水道代を浮かす。

Colloquial

"水道が引かれる"

— To have civilization or modern amenities reach a remote place.

この山奥にもようやく水道が引かれた。

Neutral

"水道の水で顔を洗う"

— To perform a basic, refreshing action; often implies simplicity.

朝起きたらまず水道の水で顔を洗う。

Neutral

"水道の出"

— The pressure or flow rate of the water.

このホテルの水道の出は素晴らしい。

Neutral

"水道屋"

— Colloquial term for a plumber.

困ったときは水道屋を呼ぼう。

Informal

"水道をひねれば"

— The convenience of modern life where things are available at a twist.

水道をひねれば水が出る生活に感謝する。

Reflective

Easily Confused

水道 vs 水 (Mizu)

Both mean 'water' in English.

Mizu refers to the liquid itself. Suidō refers to the infrastructure or the tap.

水が飲みたい (I want to drink water) vs 水道を直す (Fix the water supply).

水道 vs 蛇口 (Jaguchi)

Both can be used to refer to 'the tap'.

Jaguchi is the hardware. Suidō is the service.

蛇口を替える (Change the faucet hardware).

水道 vs 給水 (Kyūsui)

Both relate to water supply.

Kyūsui is the action of providing water (often technical/emergency). Suidō is the noun for the system.

給水制限 (Water supply restrictions).

水道 vs 用水 (Yōsui)

Both end in 'sui' and relate to water usage.

Yōsui is water for specific use like irrigation (nōgyō-yōsui). Suidō is for general domestic use.

工業用水 (Industrial water).

水道 vs 配管 (Haikan)

Both relate to pipes.

Haikan is the plumbing system in general (including gas). Suidō is specifically water.

配管工事 (Plumbing work).

Sentence Patterns

[Location]に水道があります。

公園に水道があります。

[Verb-te]から、水道を止めてください。

使ってから、水道を止めてください。

水道が[Verb-te]しまいました。

水道が壊れてしまいました。

水道代を[Noun]するために、[Action]。

水道代を節約するために、お風呂の水を再利用する。

水道の[Noun]が[Adjective]となっている。

水道の老朽化が深刻な問題となっている。

[Noun]に伴い、水道の[Noun]が求められる。

人口減少に伴い、水道事業の効率化が求められる。

水道を[Verb]ます。

水道をひねります。

[Reason]ので、水道が使えません。

工事中なので、水道が使えません。

Word Family

Nouns

水道水 (Tap water)

水道局 (Water bureau)

水道代 (Water bill)

水道管 (Water pipe)

上水道 (Water supply)

下水道 (Sewage)

Verbs

水道を引く (To install water service)

水道をひねる (To twist the tap)

Adjectives

水道関連の (Water-related)

蛇口 (Faucet)

栓 (Plug/Valve)

漏水 (Leakage)

断水 (Water cutoff)

浄水 (Purification)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially regarding bills and household maintenance.

Common Mistakes

Using 'tsukeru' for turning on the water. → Using 'dasu' or 'hineru'.
'Tsukeru' is for electricity/lights. Water 'comes out' (deru/dasu).
Saying 'Suidō o nomu'. → Saying 'Suidōsui o nomu'.
You don't drink the system; you drink the water from the system.
Confusing 'Suidō' with 'Ido'. → Use 'Suidō' for city water.
'Ido' is a well, which is rare in modern cities.
Pronouncing it 'Suido' (short o). → Pronouncing it 'Suidō' (long o).
The 'o' is a long vowel; shortening it can change the meaning or sound unnatural.
Using 'Suidō' for a bottle of water. → Using 'Mizu' or 'Petto-botoru no mizu'.
'Suidō' is specifically from the tap/utility.

Tips

Free Water

In Japan, many parks have a 'suidō' where you can drink for free. It's safe and common.

Twisting Verbs

Even if the tap is a lever, some people still use 'hineru' (twist) out of habit, though 'ageru' (lift) or 'akeru' (open) is more accurate for levers.

Emergency Stickers

Look for magnets on your fridge with '水道' on them; these are emergency plumbers.

Compound Power

Adding '代' (dai) to '水道' immediately turns it into 'water bill'.

Sui vs Mizu

Use 'Suidōsui' when you want to specifically mean 'tap water' as opposed to bottled or mineral water.

Shower Context

While a shower uses the 'suidō', people usually say 'shawaa' (shower) rather than 'suidō' when referring to bathing.

Apartment Living

Always check if 'suidō-dai' is included in your rent; it's a common 'service' in some older apartments.

Winter Warning

In cold regions like Hokkaido, you must 'mizunuki' (drain) the 'suidō' to prevent pipes from freezing.

Edo Pipes

Japan has had 'suidō' since the 1600s, which is why the word is so deeply rooted in the language.

Public Taps

Always turn off the 'suidō' completely in public places to show 'mottainai' (anti-waste) spirit.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SUI' as 'Sweet Water' and 'DO' as a 'Doorway' or 'Road'. The water's road into your house.

Visual Association

Imagine a blue pipe (the path) with a clear water drop inside it, leading directly to your kitchen tap.

Word Web

Water Pipe Faucet Bill Kitchen Bathroom Utility Plumber

Challenge

Try to find the 'suidō' in three different places today: your kitchen, a public park, and a bathroom. Say the word out loud each time you see a tap.

Word Origin

Composed of the Kanji '水' (water) and '道' (way/path). It entered the Japanese language as a term for man-made water channels and later modern piping.

Original meaning: A path or conduit for water to flow through.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

In some rural areas, people still use well water (idomizu) instead of 'suidō'. Be mindful when assuming everyone has city water.

In many English-speaking countries, people distinguish between 'the tap' (UK/Australia) and 'the faucet' (US). 'Suidō' covers both plus the whole utility service.

Matsushita Konosuke's 'Suidō Philosophy' regarding mass production. The Kanda Josui historical site in Tokyo. The 'Suidō-ya' plumbers often featured in Japanese anime/drama as helpful neighborhood characters.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moving House

水道の手続きをする (Do water procedures)
水道を開栓する (Open the water line)
水道料金の支払い (Payment of water charges)
水道の契約 (Water contract)

Plumbing Issues

水道が漏れている (Water is leaking)
水道を修理する (Repair the water)
水道が詰まった (The drain/tap is clogged)
水道屋を呼ぶ (Call the plumber)

Utility Management

水道代を節約する (Save on water bill)
水道メーターを確認する (Check the water meter)
水道料金の検針 (Meter reading)
水道料金の振込 (Bank transfer for water bill)

Daily Chores

水道で野菜を洗う (Wash vegetables in the sink)
水道を出しっぱなしにしない (Don't leave water running)
水道の水を飲む (Drink tap water)
水道の栓を閉める (Close the water valve)

Public Spaces

公園の水道 (Park water tap)
学校の水道 (School water tap)
水道の水を汲む (Draw water from a tap)
公共の水道 (Public water supply)

Conversation Starters

"最近、水道代が高くなったと思いませんか？ (Don't you think the water bill has gotten expensive lately?)"

"ここの水道水、そのまま飲んでも大丈夫ですよ。 (The tap water here is fine to drink as it is.)"

"水道の修理、どこに頼めばいいか知っていますか？ (Do you know where I should ask for water repairs?)"

"地震の時、この辺りは断水しましたか？ (Was the water cut off around here during the earthquake?)"

"水道を出しっぱなしにするのは、もったいないですよね。 (It's a waste to leave the water running, isn't it?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、水道を使って何回手を洗いましたか？ (How many times did you wash your hands using the tap today?)

あなたの国と日本で、水道水の違いはありますか？ (Are there differences between tap water in your country and Japan?)

もし水道が一日止まったら、どうしますか？ (What would you do if the water supply stopped for a day?)

水道代を節約するために、どんな工夫をしていますか？ (What kind of tricks do you use to save on your water bill?)

初めて日本の水道水を飲んだ時の感想を書いてください。 (Write about your impressions when you first drank Japanese tap water.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, Japanese tap water (suidōsui) is safe to drink and meets strict quality standards.

It is the water bill you pay to the city or local government, usually every two months.

Suidō is the system/utility; Jaguchi is the physical metal tap handle/spout.

You can say 'Suidō o dasu' or 'Suidō o hineru' (if it's a twisting tap).

It means the water supply has been temporarily cut off, often for repairs.

Yes, but often people specify 'oyu' (hot water) if it's coming from the tap.

You call a 'suidō-ya' (plumber) or the 'Suidō-kyoku' (Water Bureau) if it's a main line issue.

It is a neutral word used in both casual and formal contexts.

It is the sewage system that carries wastewater away.

You can say 'Suidō o setsuyaku suru' or 'Mizu o taisetsu ni suru'.