Translation guide
In Japanese, 'cold water' is most commonly expressed as 冷たい水 (tsumetai mizu) for general cold water, or 冷水 (reisui) in more formal or written contexts. The choice depends on the situation and the type of coldness.
Referring to water that is cold to the touch or chilled, in everyday situations.
The most common and natural way to say 'cold water' in daily conversation. 冷たい means 'cold to the touch' and is used for liquids, objects, etc.
Please give me some cold water.
I washed my face with cold water.
A more formal or written term for cold water. Often used in signs, instructions, or technical contexts.
Please wash with cold water.
Refers specifically to cold drinking water served at restaurants. It is a polite term and not used for cold water in general.
Can I have some cold water? (at a restaurant)
Emphasizing water with ice or that has been chilled, often for drinking.
Literally 'ice water', this is water with ice cubes in it. Common in summer or when specifically wanting iced water.
It's hot, so I want to drink some ice water.
Means 'chilled water', emphasizing that the water has been cooled. Slightly more descriptive.
Distinguishing cold water from hot water, often in contexts like bathing, washing, or mixing.
In Japanese, 水 (mizu) inherently means 'cold water' unless specified otherwise. When contrasting with hot water (お湯, oyu), 水 is the default for cold water.
Mix cold water and hot water.
Please dilute it with cold water.
冷たい水 is the everyday term for cold water. 冷水 is more formal and often seen in written instructions. お冷 is specifically the cold water served at restaurants and is not used for cold water in other contexts.
I want to drink cold water. (casual)
water cooler (literally 'cold water machine')
Please give me some cold water. (at a restaurant)
If you specifically mean water with ice, use 氷水 (こおりみず). 冷たい水 just means the water is cold, not necessarily with ice.
Please give me some ice water.
I prepared some chilled water.