Meaning and Usage
"蛇口" (じゃぐち) means "faucet" or "tap" in English. It refers to the device that controls the flow of water from a pipe, commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "蛇口" when talking about turning water on or off, fixing leaks, or describing water usage. It is a standard noun used in everyday conversation and is neither formal nor informal.
Collocations and Patterns
- 蛇口をひねる: to turn the faucet (to start water flow)
- 蛇口を閉める: to close the faucet (to stop water flow)
- 蛇口から水が漏れる: water leaks from the faucet
These phrases are very common when discussing water usage or plumbing issues.
Tips for Learners
"蛇口" is a concrete noun and usually appears with verbs like ひねる (turn), 閉める (close), or 出す (let out). Avoid confusing it with "水道" (すいどう), which means "water supply" or "waterworks". "蛇口" specifically refers to the tap itself.
Remember to use "蛇口" when you want to talk about the physical tap or faucet, especially in practical daily situations like fixing leaks or turning water on and off.