Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'drinking water' depends on context: the water itself, the act of drinking, or water designated for drinking. The most common term is 飲み水 (nomimizu), but other words and phrases are used in specific situations.
To refer to water that is meant to be drunk, as opposed to water for other uses.
The standard word for 'drinking water'. It literally means 'drink-water'.
この飲み水は冷たくておいしい。
This drinking water is cold and delicious.
A more formal term for 'drinking water', often used in official contexts, on labels, or in disaster preparedness.
災害時に備えて飲料水を備蓄しています。
We are stockpiling drinking water in case of a disaster.
In many contexts, simply 'water' is understood as drinking water, especially when the situation makes it clear.
水をください。
Please give me some water. (Implied: drinking water)
To describe the action of consuming water.
The basic verb phrase for 'to drink water'.
毎日十分な水を飲むことが大切です。
It's important to drink enough water every day.
Literally 'to take fluids', a common way to say 'to hydrate' or 'to drink water' in health contexts.
熱中症を防ぐために、こまめに水分を取りましょう。
To prevent heatstroke, let's drink water frequently.
To indicate that water is safe for drinking.
Literally 'drinkable water', the most natural way to say water is safe to drink.
この川の水は飲める水ですか？
Is this river water safe to drink?
A formal phrase meaning 'water suitable for drinking', used in technical or official descriptions.
この井戸の水は飲用に適した水です。
This well water is suitable for drinking.
To ask for water to drink in a restaurant or similar setting.
The polite way to ask for water. Adding お makes it more polite.
すみません、お水をください。
Excuse me, could I have some water?
Specifically asks for cold water, common in restaurants. お冷 means 'cold water'.
お冷をもう一杯いただけますか？
Could I have another glass of cold water?
In Japan, tap water is safe to drink, and restaurants typically serve free water (often with ice). Asking for 'お水' or 'お冷' is standard.
While grammatically possible, 飲む水 sounds like 'water that I drink' rather than the general concept of drinking water. Use 飲み水 instead.