水

Meaning

Japanese: 水
Romaji: mizu
Meaning: water
Part of speech: Noun
Nuance / when to use (1 sentence): A neutral, everyday word for the clear liquid essential for life.

Simple Explanation

• This word is used to talk about water as a substance, for drinking, or found in nature.
• A simple pattern is: [Object] を 飲みます。 (e.g., 水を飲みます。)
• It is a noun, so its form does not change for politeness; the politeness is shown by the verb used with it.

Mnemonic / Memory Trick

• Visualize a glass of mizu (water). The kanji 水 looks like a stream with a central current and smaller ripples on the sides, flowing like water.

Mini Conversation (Cartoon Style)

Sakura 🌸: のどがかわきました。
Romaji: Nodo ga kawakimashita.
English: I'm thirsty.

Kenji 🐼: 冷たい水がありますよ。
Romaji: Tsumetai mizu ga arimasu yo.
English: There is cold water.

Sakura 🌸: ありがとう。いただきます。
Romaji: Arigatō. Itadakimasu.
English: Thank you. I will have some.

Kenji 🐼: どうぞ。
Romaji: Dōzo.
English: Here you go.

Common Beginner Mistake

A common mistake is forgetting the object particle を (o) when water is the direct object of a verb like "to drink."
❌ Incorrect: 水飲みます。
✔ Correct: 水を飲みます。
Explanation: The particle を is essential to mark "water" as the direct object receiving the action of the verb "to drink."

Practice Exercise

Task 1: Fill in the blank.
______ を 飲みます。 (I drink ______.)
A) みず
B) みづ
C) ミズ
Correct Answer: A) みず
Explanation: The correct hiragana spelling for the word "water" is みず (mizu).

Task 2: Translation.
Translate to Japanese: "Please give me water."
Answer: 水をください。

Study Tip

Try to use the word 水 when you order a drink or talk about your daily routine, like "I drink water in the morning."

Example Sentences (4–6)

Japanese:
水を飲みます。
Romaji:
Mizu o nomimasu.
English:
I drink water.

Japanese:
あの川の水は冷たいです。
Romaji:
Ano kawa no mizu wa tsumetai desu.
English:
The water in that river is cold.

Japanese:
コーヒーと水をください。
Romaji:
Kōhī to mizu o kudasai.
English:
Coffee and water, please.

Japanese:
毎朝、水を一杯飲みます。
Romaji:
Maiasa, mizu o ippai nomimasu.
English:
Every morning, I drink a glass of water.