Translation guide
Water drawn from a well. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 井戸水 (idomizu). There are also more specific or traditional terms depending on context.
The speaker wants to refer to water that comes from a well, in everyday or general contexts.
The standard, neutral word for well water. Used in daily conversation, news, and technical contexts.
The speaker wants to evoke a traditional, pure, or refreshing image of well water, often in literary or nostalgic contexts.
Means 'clear/spring water' and often refers to pure water from a well or natural spring. Used in place names and poetic language.
井戸水 (idomizu) is well water, while 水道水 (suidōsui) is tap water. In Japan, tap water is safe to drink, but some people prefer the taste of well water. When discussing water sources, make this distinction clear.
井戸水と水道水、どちらが好きですか？
Which do you prefer, well water or tap water?
In this area, we use well water.
井戸水は冷たくておいしい。
Well water is cold and delicious.
Literally 'water of the well'. Slightly more descriptive and can be used when emphasizing the source.
井戸の水を汲んでください。
Please draw water from the well.
村の清水はとても冷たい。
The village's clear well water is very cold.
An archaic or literary term for the first water drawn from a well in the morning, considered pure and auspicious. Rarely used in modern speech.
井華水で茶を点てる。
Prepare tea with the first-drawn well water.