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.
The standard term for a public water supply system, including pipes and treatment facilities.
An artistic arrangement of fountains, often with lights or music.
The general word for a fountain, including decorative water displays.
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.
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.
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.
Improving the waterworks is an urgent task.
Refers to water supply facilities or infrastructure as a whole. More formal and technical.
The aging of waterworks facilities has become a problem.
The waterworks in the park are lit up at night.
Specifically a fountain show, often choreographed to music. Common at theme parks or events.
That waterworks show is very popular.
I was moved and the waterworks started.
Means 'to burst into tears'. A straightforward way to describe the start of crying.
She suddenly turned on the waterworks.
Means 'tears won't stop', often used when someone is crying a lot.
I was so happy the waterworks wouldn't stop.