🇨🇳 Chinese phrases

How to Say "Water" in Chinese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
"Water" in Chinese · say it like shway

The most natural way to say "Water" in Chinese is . Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

饮水
used when referring to drinking water
清水
means clean or pure water

When to use it

You can use '水' in everyday conversations when talking about drinks or cooking. It is a basic word that everyone understands. It is also used in various contexts, such as ordering drinks or discussing hydration.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Water" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Chinese

ChineseEnglish
请给我一杯水。Please give me a glass of water.
Common mistake
Some learners confuse '水' with '酒' (alcohol), so be careful to use the right term.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear 水, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Chinese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between '水' and '饮水'?

'水' refers to water in general, while '饮水' specifically means drinking water.

Learn Chinese by speaking it

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