Translation and Meaning of: 水筒 - suitou

If you have already studied Japanese or are interested in Japanese culture, you have probably come across the word 水筒[すいとう]. But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore everything from its basic meaning to curiosities about its everyday use in Japan. You will discover how this word is written, its origin, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Throughout the text, we will discuss not only the literal translation of 水筒 (suitou), but also its cultural context and how the Japanese use it in their daily lives. If you are learning Japanese, understanding these nuances can make all the difference when it comes to communicating naturally. Shall we begin?

The meaning and writing of 水筒

The word 水筒[すいとう] is composed of two kanji: 水 (water) and 筒 (cylinder, tube). Together, they form the term that means "thermo bottle" or "canteen." It is a common item in Japan, especially used for carrying hot or cold drinks during trips, outings, or at work.

It is worth noting that, although 水筒 can be translated as "water bottle," its use goes beyond that. In Japan, it is often associated with containers that maintain temperature, whether for hot tea in winter or cold water in summer. This versatility makes it a item present in many Japanese homes.

The origin and everyday use of 水筒

The etymology of 水筒 dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when wooden or bamboo canteens were used to transport water. Over time, the materials evolved to metal and, more recently, to plastic and stainless steel. Today, modern 水筒 are lightweight, practical, and come in various designs, from simple models to more technological ones.

In Japan, it is common to see children carrying a 水筒 to school, as many institutions do not allow the consumption of industrialized drinks. Adults also tend to carry them at work or during outdoor activities. This habit reflects the Japanese concern for sustainability, avoiding the excessive use of disposable plastic bottles.

Tips to memorize 水筒

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanjis that compose it with its meaning. 水 (water) + 筒 (tube) literally forms a "water tube," which makes sense considering the elongated shape of many thermos bottles. Another tip is to create a mental image of a bottle with these characters printed on it.

If you use apps like Anki, it’s worth including 水筒 in a daily vocabulary deck. A simple sentence to practice could be: 水筒にお茶を入れた (I put tea in the thermos). This type of context helps to solidify not only the word but also its practical use in real situations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 水差し (mizusashi) - Container for serving water
• 水入れ (mizuire) - Water container, in a generic form
• 水入れ瓶 (mizuirebin) - Bottle or jar for water
• 水入れ器 (mizuireki) - Utensil or device for placing water
• 水入れ壺 (mizuiretsubo) - Pot or jar for water
• 水入れつぼ (mizuiretsubo) - Variant of pot in jug style
• 水入れ鉢 (mizuirebachi) - Bowl or basin to hold water
• 水入れポット (mizuirepotto) - Kettle or pitcher for water
• 水入れ容器 (mizuireyouki) - Container or vessel for water
• 水入れカップ (mizuirekappu) - Cup to hold water
• 水入れジャグ (mizuirejagu) - Jar coming from English, used for water
• 水入れフラスコ (mizuirefurasko) - Water bottle, used in laboratory or kitchen
• 水入れボトル (mizuirebotoru) - Water bottle
• 水入れガラス (mizuiregarasu) - Glass container for water
• 水入れマグ (mizuiremagu) - Mug to hold water
• 水入れタンブラー (mizuiretamburā) - Water tumbler
• 水入れコップ (mizuirekoppu) - Cup for drinking water
• 水入れカラフェ (mizuirekarafe) - Jar to serve water
• 水入れピッチャー (mizuirepitcha) - Water pitcher
• 水入れカン (mizuirekan) - Container or can for water
• 水入れバケツ (mizuirebaketsu) - Water bucket
• 水入れ桶 (mizuireoke) - Drum or bucket to hold water

水筒

Romaji: suitou
Kana: すいとう
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: canteen; flask; water bottle

Meaning in English: canteen;flask;water bottle

Definition: A container that can be filled with water and transported.

Example Sentences - (水筒) suitou

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