Meaning and Usage
"熱湯" (ねっとう) specifically refers to water that is boiling or extremely hot, typically at 100°C. It is often used in contexts involving cooking, sterilization, or warnings about burns.
Common Collocations
- 熱湯を注ぐ (pour boiling water): Used when adding boiling water to something, often with a caution about burns.
- 熱湯消毒 (sterilization with boiling water): Refers to disinfecting objects using boiling water.
- 熱湯で作る (make with boiling water): Commonly used when preparing instant foods like cup noodles.
Register and Nuance
"熱湯" is a neutral term but often appears in formal or instructional contexts, such as manuals or safety warnings. It conveys a sense of caution due to the risk of burns.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "熱湯" with just "お湯" (hot water), which can be warm but not necessarily boiling. "熱湯" always implies boiling temperature, so it is used when emphasizing heat intensity or safety concerns.