Translation guide
A device that heats water for domestic use, such as bathing, washing, or cooking. In Japanese, the term depends on the type and context, with 給湯器 being the most common general term.
A device that heats water for household use, such as baths, showers, and sinks.
The most common and general term for a water heater in a home. It refers to a device that supplies hot water to multiple points (bath, kitchen, etc.). Often used for gas or electric tankless or tank-type units.
給湯器が故障して、お湯が出ません。
The water heater broke down, and there's no hot water.
新しい給湯器に交換しました。
We replaced it with a new water heater.
Literally 'water boiling device'. Often refers to a smaller, point-of-use water heater, such as a kitchen instant hot water dispenser or a small electric heater. Can also be used generically, but 給湯器 is more common for whole-house systems.
A more technical term meaning 'hot water device'. It can refer to water heaters, but is less common in everyday speech. Often seen in product specifications or industrial contexts.
Specifically an electric water heater that stores hot water in a tank, often used for off-peak heating.
A water heater that uses gas (city gas or propane) to heat water, often tankless.
A gas-powered water heater. Can be tankless or with a small tank. Common in many Japanese homes.
ガス給湯器はお湯の温度が安定しています。
The gas water heater provides stable hot water temperature.
A small device that heats water instantly at a single faucet, often in kitchens or bathrooms.
A system that uses solar energy to heat water, often with rooftop panels.
A solar water heater that uses solar thermal collectors to heat water directly. Common in older Japanese homes.
太陽熱温水器は屋根に設置されています。
The solar water heater is installed on the roof.
給湯器 (kyūtōki) is the standard term for a modern whole-house water heater, while 湯沸かし器 (yuwakashiki) often implies a smaller, simpler device, sometimes just for one tap. In many contexts they overlap, but 給湯器 is safer for a central system.
In Japanese, hot water is お湯, not 熱い水. When talking about water heaters, you'll often hear お湯が出る (hot water comes out) or お湯を沸かす (to heat water).
給湯器が壊れています。
Our water heater is broken.
新しい給湯器を買わなければなりません。
I need to buy a new water heater.
台所に小型の湯沸かし器を付けました。
We installed a small water heater in the kitchen.
This water heater has high energy-saving performance.
An electric storage water heater. Common in Japan for nighttime off-peak electricity usage. It heats water in a large tank and stores it for later use.
電気温水器は夜間電力を利用してお湯を沸かします。
The electric water heater uses nighttime electricity to heat water.
A brand name that has become a generic term for heat-pump water heaters. Very common in Japan. Uses electricity efficiently to heat water, often with a storage tank.
エコキュートは空気の熱を利用してお湯を作ります。
EcoCute uses heat from the air to produce hot water.
A gas water heater, often smaller or older models. Can be used for point-of-use or whole-house, but ガス給湯器 is more modern.
古いガス湯沸かし器を新しいのに取り替えました。
We replaced the old gas water heater with a new one.
An instant water heater that heats water on demand without a tank. Often installed under the sink or near a shower.
瞬間湯沸かし器はすぐにお湯が出るので便利です。
An instant water heater is convenient because hot water comes out right away.
A small water heater, often electric, used for a single sink or shower. Less specific than 瞬間湯沸かし器.
この小型湯沸かし器は台所専用です。
This small water heater is for kitchen use only.
A more casual or abbreviated term for a solar water heater. Often used in conversation.
ソーラー温水器で光熱費を節約しています。
We're saving on utility bills with the solar water heater.