Ohiya is a Japanese term meaning “drinking water” and is most often encountered at restaurants. It is especially common at Izakaya restaurants.

It is an alternative to “Omizu” which also means water in Japanese. If you are at a restaurant and want more water, you can ask the waiter “Ohiya kudasai” or “Omizu kudasai”. Both of these phrases mean “May I have some water?”.

Some Japanese people mention that traditionally, Ohiya is actually a term used by people who work at the restaurant when they ask customers if they would like more water. Customers, on the other hand, normally use the term “Omizu” instead.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to hear either phrase used by customers though. At the very least, people will understand what you mean regardless of which term you use. Another similar interesting term is “agari”, which is used to refer to tea, normally at sushi restaurants!

Let’s remember the following useful sentences before going to Japan!

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●Sumimasen, ohiyakudasai.
(すみません、お冷ください。)
> Excuse me, may I have some water?

●Ohiya no okawari wa ikaga desuka?
(お冷のおかわりはいかがですか？)
> Would you like more water?

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Now all that’s left is to go out there and try using them in Japan!

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Kabe-don (壁ドン) Fun! Japan Words vol.156