Meaning and Usage
"下水" (げすい) primarily refers to sewage, drainage, or the sewer system. It is commonly used in contexts related to urban infrastructure, environmental issues, and construction.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "下水" when discussing city planning, sewage treatment, or when describing problems like flooding due to clogged drains. It can refer to both the physical sewer pipes and the wastewater itself.
Collocations and Patterns
- 下水道 (げすいどう): sewer system; used when talking about the network of pipes.
- 下水処理 (げすいしょり): sewage treatment; refers to processing wastewater.
- 下水があふれる: sewage overflows; used when drainage is insufficient.
Register and Nuance
"下水" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts. It is technical enough to appear in news reports and official documents but also common in everyday conversation when discussing related topics.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "下水" with "排水" (はいすい), which means drainage or discharge of water but is broader and can include rainwater. "下水" specifically implies wastewater or sewage, so use it when referring to dirty or used water systems.