Translation guide
The system of pipes, drains, and treatment facilities that carry away sewage and rainwater. In Japanese, the most common term is 下水道 (gesuidō), which refers to the whole sewer system. There are also specific terms for drainage, sewage treatment, and related infrastructure.
The network of pipes and facilities for carrying off sewage and rainwater.
The standard term for a sewer system, covering pipes, drains, and treatment plants. Used in official and everyday contexts.
この町の下水道はとても古い。
The sewerage in this town is very old.
下水道の整備が急務だ。
Improving the sewerage system is an urgent task.
Literally 'sewage' or 'wastewater', but often used in compounds to refer to the sewer system, e.g., 下水管 (sewer pipe).
下水が溢れた。
The sewage overflowed.
The system for carrying off rainwater, separate from sewage.
Specifically rainwater drainage. Often used in technical contexts.
雨水排水の設備を点検する。
Inspect the rainwater drainage facilities.
Rainwater pipe. Part of the drainage system.
雨水管が詰まっている。
The rainwater pipe is clogged.
The process of treating wastewater.
Sewage treatment. Often used in the context of treatment plants.
下水処理場を見学した。
We toured the sewage treatment plant.
Wastewater treatment, slightly more technical.
A pipe that carries sewage.
Sewer pipe. Common in everyday and technical use.
下水管が破裂した。
The sewer pipe burst.
Wastewater pipe, more specific to sewage rather than rainwater.
汚水管の交換が必要だ。
The wastewater pipe needs to be replaced.
下水道 (gesuidō) refers to the entire sewer system, while 下水 (gesui) means sewage or wastewater itself. Use 下水道 when talking about the infrastructure, and 下水 for the actual liquid waste.
In Japan, many cities have separate systems for rainwater (雨水, usui) and sewage (汚水, osui). When discussing drainage, clarify which type you mean.
汚水処理の技術が進歩している。
Wastewater treatment technology is advancing.