Translation guide
The English word "waters" can refer to bodies of water, territorial seas, or amniotic fluid. This guide covers the most common ways to express these meanings in Japanese.
Referring to a large natural body of water, often in a poetic or descriptive sense.
General term for a body of water, such as a sea, lake, or river area. Suitable for geographical or environmental contexts.
These waters are rich in fish.
Means 'sea' or 'ocean'. Often used when 'waters' refers to the sea.
He sailed the rough waters.
Literally 'water surface'. Used when focusing on the surface of the water, e.g., 'the waters of the lake'.
The waters of the lake were like a mirror.
Referring to the sea area under the jurisdiction of a country.
Referring to the fluid surrounding a fetus during pregnancy.
Medical term for 'amniotic fluid'. Used in contexts like 'waters breaking'.
My waters broke, so I went to the hospital.
Do not directly translate 'waters' as 水 (みず, water) or 水たち. The plural form does not exist in Japanese, and 水 usually refers to drinking water or liquid. Use context-appropriate terms like 水域, 海, or 領海.
この近海ではサンマがよく獲れる。
Saury is often caught in these waters.