Translation guide
Describes harm caused by water, such as flooding, leaks, or moisture. Japanese expressions vary by context: general damage, insurance/technical terms, or specific types like water stains.
To refer to damage caused by water in everyday situations, such as from heavy rain, burst pipes, or appliance leaks.
The most common and general term for water damage, especially from natural causes like floods or heavy rain. Used in news and everyday conversation.
台風で家が水害に遭った。
My house suffered water damage from the typhoon.
この地域は水害が多い。
This area has a lot of water damage.
Specifically refers to flooding or water entering a building. Often used for homes or basements. Can be a noun or verb (浸水する).
地下室が浸水した。
The basement was flooded (suffered water damage).
浸水被害を防ぐために土嚢を置いた。
We placed sandbags to prevent water damage from flooding.
A colloquial way to say something was ruined by getting wet. Not a single word, but very natural in speech.
本が水に濡れてダメになった。
The book got water damaged (ruined by getting wet).
A more formal or technical term, often used in insurance or official reports. Less common in daily speech.
保険で水損被害がカバーされる。
Water damage is covered by insurance.
To describe visible discoloration or marks left by water, such as on walls, ceilings, or fabrics.
Specifically means a water stain or water spot. Very common for describing marks on ceilings, walls, or clothes.
天井に水染みができている。
There's a water stain on the ceiling.
このシャツ、水染みが取れない。
I can't get this water stain out of the shirt.
Specifically a rain stain or mark left by rainwater, often on exterior walls or windows.
外壁に雨染みが目立つ。
Rain stains are noticeable on the exterior wall.
Literally 'water mark/trace'. A simple, general way to refer to any mark left by water.
床に水の跡が残っている。
There are water marks left on the floor.
To refer to damage caused by prolonged exposure to dampness rather than direct water contact, such as mold, rot, or warping.
A clear phrase meaning 'damage due to humidity/moisture'. Can be used for mold, warping, etc.
湿気による被害で壁紙が剥がれた。
The wallpaper peeled off due to moisture damage.
Means moisture or dampness. Often used in contexts like '水気が多い' (there's a lot of moisture) or '水気による腐食' (corrosion from moisture).
水気が多い場所はカビが生えやすい。
Places with a lot of moisture easily get mold (water damage).
水害 is the broadest term for water-related disasters and damage. 浸水 specifically means inundation or flooding of a structure. 水損 is a formal/technical term often used in insurance or legal contexts. For everyday conversation, 水害 or 浸水 are most natural.
The direct translation '水のダメージ' (water damage) is not natural Japanese. Use the terms above depending on context.