Translation guide
Bilge water refers to the dirty water that collects in the lowest part of a ship. This guide covers how to express this concept in Japanese, from technical nautical terms to general descriptions.
The learner wants to refer to the actual water that accumulates in the bilge of a ship or boat.
The standard technical term combining the loanword 'bilge' (ビルジ) with 水 (water). Used in maritime contexts.
Discharge the bilge water.
The learner wants to use 'bilge water' metaphorically to describe something disgusting, worthless, or nonsensical.
There is no direct figurative equivalent. Instead, use expressions like 汚物 (filth) or たわごと (nonsense) depending on context.
Avoid literal translation of 'bilge water' as it will not be understood figuratively.
In Japanese, ビルジ水 is strictly a nautical term. Using it to mean 'nonsense' or 'rubbish' will cause confusion. Use appropriate Japanese words for figurative meanings.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'dirty water at the bottom of the ship'. More explanatory than technical.
Pump out the bilge water.
Literally 'bilge' or 'ship's bottom', but can imply the water there in certain contexts. Less common and may be ambiguous.
Bilge water has accumulated.
His story is complete bilge water.