水栓(すいせん)

A technical but common term for a water tap or faucet. Composed of 水(すい) (water) and 栓(せん) (plug, stopper, valve). Used in plumbing contexts, product catalogs, and home renovation discussions. In everyday conversation, 蛇口(じゃぐち) is more common for the faucet spout itself.

Common collocations

• 水栓(すいせん)を開(あ)ける/閉(し)める: to open/close the tap
• 水栓(すいせん)を交換(こうかん)する: to replace the faucet
• 混合(こんごう)水栓(すいせん): mixing faucet (hot and cold)
• シングルレバー水栓(すいせん): single-lever faucet

Similar words

• 蛇口(じゃぐち) — faucet; tap (more everyday term for the spout)
• 元栓(もとせん) — main valve; shutoff valve
• 水道(すいどう) — water supply; plumbing (the system)

Usage

Homophones include 推薦(すいせん) (recommendation) and 水洗(すいせん) (flush, as in toilet). Context usually makes the meaning clear.