How to Say ‘Only water.’ in Japanese
水だけです。
mizu dake desu
[mee-zoo dah-keh dess]
💬 Usage Tip: Short, polite, and informative: [Xだけです] = “It’s only X.”
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the kind of minimal, clear answer that works well on the phone when describing problems.
Phrase Breakdown
水
mizu
[mee-zoo]
water (cold water)
Here 「水」 contrasts with 「お湯」; you’re explaining the shower/faucet gives only cold water.
シャワーは水だけです。
The shower is only cold water.
だけ
dake
[dah-keh]
only; just
「水だけです」 means “It’s only water (cold water).” Clear symptom description for a landlord/plumber.
お湯が出なくて、水だけです。
The hot water doesn't come out; it's only cold water.
です
desu
[dess]
it is (polite)
Polite ending to state the situation: “It’s only water.”
水だけです。修理をお願いします。
It's only cold water. Please arrange a repair.
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