(すいどう)

すいどう
noun
water supply, tap
1. water supply, tap water
The system that provides water to buildings, or the water from it.
水道(すいどう)(みず)()めます
You can drink the tap water.
Japan has safe tap water
水道代(すいどうだい)(たか)なりました
The water bill has gone up.
The water supply was cut off due to the earthquake.
It cost money to install the water supply.
It's safe to drink tap water directly.
2. faucet, tap
The fixture from which water flows.
水道(すいどう)()めてください
Please turn off the tap.
No water is coming out of the tap.
Please close the faucet.
水道(すいどう)(こお)った
The water pipes froze.
水道(すいどう)(みず)(つめ)たい
The tap water is cold.

ETYMOLOGY:
水道(すいどう) combines (すい) (water) + (どう) (way/path), literally "water way."

COMPOUNDS:

  • 水道水(すいどうすい): tap water
  • 水道代(すいどうだい): water bill
  • 水道局(すいどうきょく): water department/utility
  • 水道管(すいどうかん): water pipe
  • 上水道(じょうすいどう): water supply system
  • 下水道(げすいどう): sewage system

CULTURAL NOTE:
Japan is known for having safe, drinkable tap water throughout the country. 水道(すいどう)(みず)()めます (tap water is drinkable) is commonly stated to reassure visitors.