How to Say ‘It won’t come out / It’s not working. (hot water)’ in Japanese
お湯が出ないんです。
o yu ga de nai n desu
[oh yoo gah deh nye n dess]
💬 Usage Tip: This is a natural “problem report” sentence: symptom + [んです]. You can also add a softener like [すみませんが] before it.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Polite problem reports in Japan usually: apology → situation → what you tried → request. This sentence fits that flow perfectly.
Phrase Breakdown
お湯
o yu
hot water
Polite word for hot water (as opposed to 水 “cold/regular water”), often used for showers, baths, and taps.
お湯を沸かします。
I boil hot water.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
(polite prefix)
Polite prefix used in the common phrase お湯.
すみません、お湯が出ないんです。
Excuse me, the hot water isn’t coming out.
湯
yu
[yoo]
hot water
Hot water; for showers/baths, usually said as お湯.
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
が
ga
[gah]
(subject marker)
Marks “hot water” as the subject of “doesn’t come out.”
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
出ない
de nai
doesn't come out; doesn't 나오다 (come out)
Negative plain form of 出る (to come out). Used for things like water, gas, sound, results, etc.
水が出ないです。
The water won’t come out.
Words in this phrase
出
de
[deh]
to come out; to run
Used for water/gas/electricity: 出る = “to come on / to run.”
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
ない
nai
[nye]
not; doesn’t
Negative form: 出ない = doesn’t come out.
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
ん
n
[n]
(explanatory “n”)
Explains the situation politely; good for reporting trouble to a landlord.
今朝からお湯が出ないんです。
The thing is, since this morning the hot water hasn’t been coming out.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
Polite ending. 〜んです sounds explanatory and a bit softer than a plain statement.
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager