Translation guide
The English word 'waterworks' can refer to a system for supplying water, a display of fountains, or, informally, crying. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The infrastructure for treating and distributing water to a community.
An artistic arrangement of fountains, often with lights or music.
Used humorously or euphemistically to refer to crying or tears.
Literally 'tear glands loosen', a common way to say someone is about to cry or is crying easily.
感動して涙腺がゆるんだ。
I was moved and the waterworks started.
The English informal use of 'waterworks' for crying does not have a direct Japanese equivalent. Use phrases about tears or crying instead. Literal translations like 水道 (suidō) would be confusing.
The standard term for a public water supply system, including pipes and treatment facilities.
この町の水道はとてもきれいです。
The waterworks in this town are very clean.
Specifically refers to the clean water supply system, as opposed to sewage. Used in technical or administrative contexts.
上水道の整備が急務です。
Improving the waterworks is an urgent task.
Refers to water supply facilities or infrastructure as a whole. More formal and technical.
水道施設の老朽化が問題になっています。
The aging of waterworks facilities has become a problem.
The general word for a fountain, including decorative water displays.
公園の噴水が夜になるとライトアップされます。
The waterworks in the park are lit up at night.
Specifically a fountain show, often choreographed to music. Common at theme parks or events.
あの噴水ショーはとても人気があります。
That waterworks show is very popular.
Means 'to burst into tears'. A straightforward way to describe the start of crying.
彼女は突然泣き出した。
She suddenly turned on the waterworks.
Means 'tears won't stop', often used when someone is crying a lot.
嬉しくて涙が止まらなかった。
I was so happy the waterworks wouldn't stop.