水道
Meanings
1
water supply; water service; tap water
Refers to the public water supply system, the service itself, or the water that comes out of the tap.
The water bill was high this month.
The water supply in this area is well maintained.
Can I drink the tap water as it is?
2
Used in geographical names for narrow waterways or straits, such as 関門水道 (Kanmon Strait).
The Kanmon Strait lies between Honshu and Kyushu.
3
water course; waterway
A general term for a waterway or artificial channel; less common than sense 1 in everyday speech.
This channel is used as an agricultural waterway.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に水道を引くto install a water supply line to a place
This village doesn't have running water installed yet.
- 水道が止まるfor the water supply to be cut off
The water supply was cut off because of the typhoon.
- 水道を止めるto shut off the water supply
We will temporarily shut off the water supply for construction work.
Expressions
- 水道の水tap water