Translation and Meaning of: 水道 - suidou

The Japanese word 水道 [すいどう] is essential for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. It frequently appears in daily life, from conversations to public notices, and understanding its meaning goes beyond simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday situations, and some curiosities that can aid in memorization.

Water supply [すいどう] is a term that carries practical and cultural importance, especially in a country known for its advanced infrastructure. If you have ever visited Japan or watched films and animes, you have likely encountered this word on signs or in dialogues. Here, we will unveil its details in a clear and useful way for students and curious minds.

Meaning and use of 水道 [すいどう]

水道[すいどう] means "plumbing" or "water system," specifically referring to the supply of piped water. In Japan, it is used to describe everything from public infrastructure to residential faucets. If you have ever read a Japanese water bill, you'll see 水道料金[すいどうりょうきん], or "water fee."

The term also appears in everyday contexts, such as notices about interruptions in supply or maintenance. In restaurants, for example, it is common to see signs with 水道水[すいどうすい] to indicate drinkable tap water. This practicality reflects the Japanese efficiency in managing water resources.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 水道 is formed by two kanjis: 水[すい], which means "water," and 道[どう], which can be translated as "path" or "way." Together, they create the idea of a "water path," perfectly representing the concept of plumbing. This combination is a classic example of how kanjis build logical meanings in Japanese.

It is worth noting that 道 is a versatile kanji, appearing in words like 鉄道[てつどう] (railway) and 柔道[じゅうどう] (judo). This familiarity can aid in memorization since the same character appears in other common . The etymology reinforces the relationship between form and function in the Japanese language.

Trivia and memorization tips

One interesting fact about 水道 is that Japan has one of the most reliable water supply systems in the world. In Tokyo, for example, tap water is safe to drink, which surprises many visitors. This efficiency makes the word even more relevant in everyday vocabulary.

To memorize すいどう, a tip is to associate the sound "sui" with "water" (as in 水泳[すいえい], swimming) and "dou" with "way" (as in 道路[どうろ], road). This phonetic decomposition technique is useful for solidifying compound . Another strategy is to common signs, like 水道工事[すいどうこうじ] (plumbing work), frequently seen in Japanese cities.