Translation and Meaning of: 水 - mizu

The Japanese word 「水」, read as "mizu" in romaji, means "water". This word is fundamental in the Japanese language and also holds essential meaning in various cultures around the world due to the vital importance of water. In terms of writing, 「水」 is a kanji composed of three strokes. The etymology of the character dates back to ancient pictograms that represented streams of water or flows, reflecting the fluid and vital nature of the element.

In ancient Japanese, the word for water was used in various situations and contexts, from everyday aspects to religious and cultural ceremonies. For example, in the tea ceremony, the quality of the water is crucial for the taste of the tea. Additionally, water is a central element in many local festivals, where its symbolic purification is used to bless and protect communities.

In addition to everyday use, the word 「水」 appears in many compounds and Japanese expressions, illustrating the diversity of its use. Some examples include 「水族館」 (suizokukan), which means aquarium, and 「水道」 (suidou), which refers to the supply of water or plumbing system. This multifaceted use of the term demonstrates its linguistic and cultural importance in Japan.

Variations and Cultural Meaning

In Japan, water is often associated with purity, rebirth, and purification. This symbolism is evident in practices such as "misogi," a purification ritual that involves immersion in water. It is also common in Japanese philosophy to associate water with qualities such as adaptability and resilience, due to its ability to change form and overcome obstacles. This spiritual and philosophical understanding of water can be seen in works of Japanese literature and art, where the ephemeral and transformative nature of water is celebrated.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• みず (Mizu) - Water
• 水分 (Suibun) - conteúdo de água
• 水源 (Suigen) - Water source
• 水路 (Suiro) - Water canal
• 水面 (Suimen) - Water surface
• 水溜り (Mizutamari) - Water pool (water accumulation)
• 水滴 (Suiteki) - Water Drop
• 水蒸気 (Suijōki) - Water vapor
• 水道 (Suidō) - Water supply system
• 水泳 (Suiei) - Swimming (in water)
• 水曜日 (Suiyoubi) - Wednesday (literally "water day")
• 水辺 (Mizube) - Water's edge
• 水田 (Suiden) - Rice field (irrigated with water)
• 水鳥 (Mizudori) - Waterbird
• 水晶 (Suishō) - Water crystal (or crystal, referring to its transparency)

水

Romaji: mizu
Kana: みず
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: water

Meaning in English: water

Definition: A liquid that has no taste or odor, is colorless, and consists mainly of oxygen and hydrogen.

Example Sentences - (水) mizu

See below some example sentences:

私は毎日水筒を持っています。

Watashi wa mainichi suidō o motte imasu

I carry a water bottle every day.

I have a bottle of water every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 水筒 (suito) - The translation for "garrafa de água" is "water bottle".
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 持っています (motteimasu) - verb that means "have" or "carry" in the affirmative present

私は水泳が大好きです。

Watashi wa suiei ga daisuki desu

I love swimming.

I love swimming.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 水泳 (suiei) - "natação" means "swimming" in Japanese
• が (ga) - subject particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 大好き (daisuki) - means "like very much" in Japanese
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate the formality of the sentence

私の祖父は水田を所有しています。

Watashi no sofu wa suiden o shoyu shite imasu

My grandfather owns a rice field.

My grandfather owns Paddy Fields.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 祖父 - noun meaning "grandfather" in Japanese
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "my grandfather"
• 水田 - The noun that means "rice field" in Japanese.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "has"
• 所有 - verb that means "to possess" in Japanese
• しています - expression that indicates continuous action in the present, in this case, "has"

私たちは海水浴に行きます。

Watashitachi wa kaisuiyoku ni ikimasu

We go to the beach.

We go to the sea bath.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 海水浴 - sea bath
• に - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 行きます - verb "to go" in the present