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水
mizu
water
この水はとても冷たいです。
This water is very cold.
formal
A clear, colorless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, and rivers and is essential for life.
水を飲んでください。
Please drink water.
海の水は塩辛いです。
Seawater is salty.
Used in compounds like 水曜日 (Wednesday, 'water day') and 水色 (light blue, 'water color').
formal
A body of water such as a lake or river.
この水は汚れています。
This body of water is polluted.
Often used in geographical or environmental contexts.
formal
A liquid used for a specific purpose (e.g., ink, sap).
この木の水を集めてください。
Collect the sap of this tree.
Less common in modern usage.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Compound Words
水 is a common component in Japanese compound words. For example, 水曜日 (Wednesday) literally means 'water day,' reflecting the association of water with the planet Mercury (水星) in traditional astrology.
Gold Rule
Pronunciation Note
The word 水 is always pronounced 'mizu' in standard Japanese, regardless of context. There are no alternative readings for this word.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *mizu, ultimately from Proto-Japonic *mizu. Related to Ryukyuan languages (e.g., Okinawan みーziu).
Usage Notes
水 is a fundamental term in Japanese, used in daily life, science, and culture. In compounds, it often carries metaphorical meanings (e.g., 水色 for light blue).
Word Breakdown
水
water
root和英辞典