Translation guide
A glass for drinking water, or a glass containing water. In Japanese, the word depends on context: a general drinking glass, a glass specifically for water, or a glass with water in it.
The learner wants to refer to the physical object: a glass used for drinking water.
General word for a drinking glass, cup, or tumbler. Often used for water glasses in everyday contexts.
コップを取ってください。
Please get me a glass.
The learner wants to refer to a glass that contains water, or to order a glass of water.
Polite way to say 'water'. In a restaurant, simply saying お水 will get you a glass of water.
すみません、お水をください。
Excuse me, can I have a glass of water?
コップ is a general drinking vessel, often cylindrical, made of glass, plastic, or metal. グラス usually refers to a glass made of glass material, often stemware or a more stylish glass. For a simple water glass, コップ is more common in daily life.
In most Japanese restaurants, water is served automatically for free. If you need more, just say すみません、お水をください (Sumimasen, omizu o kudasai). You don't need to specify 'glass'.
テーブルにコップが置いてある。
There is a glass on the table.
Often implies a more elegant or specific glass, like a wine glass or a glass for cold drinks. Can be used for water glasses, especially in restaurants or bars.
水のグラスをください。
Can I have a water glass, please?
Literally 'a glass for water'. Used when you need to specify it's for water, not other drinks.
水用のコップとジュース用のコップを分けてください。
Please separate the water glasses and juice glasses.
Plain word for water. Can be used to ask for a glass of water in casual settings.
水、もらえる？
Can I get some water?
Specifically means 'cold water' served in restaurants. Often used by staff or when asking for cold water.
お冷をお願いします。
Cold water, please.