Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'fountain' depends on whether it's a decorative water feature, a drinking fountain, or a natural spring. The most common term is 噴水 (funsui) for artificial fountains. For drinking fountains, 水飲み場 (mizunomiba) is used. Natural springs are 泉 (izumi).
An artificial structure that sprays water into the air, often found in parks, gardens, or public squares.
The standard word for an artificial fountain that sprays water. Used for decorative fountains in parks, plazas, etc.
公園の噴水の前で待ち合わせましょう。
Let's meet in front of the fountain in the park.
その噴水は夜になるとライトアップされる。
The fountain is lit up at night.
A device that provides drinking water in public places like schools, parks, or stations.
Common term for a drinking fountain or water fountain in public facilities.
駅の水飲み場で水を飲んだ。
I drank water at the drinking fountain in the station.
Literally 'cold water machine', often used for water coolers or drinking fountains in offices and schools.
冷水機の水が冷たくて美味しい。
The water from the water cooler is cold and delicious.
A place where water flows naturally from the ground, often in nature or as a source of a stream.
General word for a natural spring. Can also be used metaphorically (e.g., 'fountain of youth' = 若さの泉).
山の中に小さな泉があった。
There was a small spring in the mountains.
この泉の水はとても澄んでいる。
The water of this spring is very clear.
Specifically refers to spring water or water that wells up from the ground. Often used for natural drinking water sources.
A pen with a reservoir of ink that feeds to the nib.
The standard word for fountain pen. Literally 'ten-thousand-year brush'.
父から万年筆をもらった。
I received a fountain pen from my father.
A machine that dispenses soft drinks, often in fast-food restaurants.
Common term for self-service drink dispensers in family restaurants, often called 'drink bar'.
ドリンクバーでコーラを注いだ。
I poured some cola at the drink bar.
A source or origin of something, often used metaphorically.
この湧き水は飲んでも大丈夫ですか？
Is it safe to drink this spring water?
Loanword from English, used in some contexts but less common than ドリンクバー.
昔ながらのソーダファウンテンがまだ残っている。
An old-fashioned soda fountain still remains.
その泉は川の源となっている。
The spring is the source of the river.