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.
Referring to the sea area under the jurisdiction of a country.
Referring to the fluid surrounding a fetus during pregnancy.
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.
General term for a body of water, such as a sea, lake, or river area. Suitable for geographical or environmental contexts.
この水域は魚が豊富だ。
These waters are rich in fish.
Means 'sea' or 'ocean'. Often used when 'waters' refers to the sea.
彼は荒れた海を航海した。
He sailed the rough waters.
Literally 'water surface'. Used when focusing on the surface of the water, e.g., 'the waters of the lake'.
湖の水面は鏡のようだった。
The waters of the lake were like a mirror.
Standard term for 'territorial waters'. Used in legal, political, and news contexts.
その船は日本の領海に入った。
The ship entered Japanese waters.
Means 'nearby waters' or 'coastal waters'. Often used for fishing or navigation.
この近海ではサンマがよく獲れる。
Saury is often caught in these waters.
Medical term for 'amniotic fluid'. Used in contexts like 'waters breaking'.
破水したので病院に行った。
My waters broke, so I went to the hospital.