How to Say ‘Hot water isn't working.’ in Japanese
お湯が出ないんです。
o yu ga de nai n desu
[oh yoo gah deh nah-ee n dess]
💬 Usage Tip: [出ない] literally means "doesn't come out," and with water, gas, or hot water that's the normal way to say something isn't working. [んです] softens it and makes it sound like you're explaining a problem, not just stating a fact.
Phrase Breakdown
お湯
o yu
hot water
Refers to hot water, especially water from a tap or heater.
お湯をください。
Please give me hot water.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix o-
お is the polite prefix in お湯, the usual word for hot water.
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
湯
yu
[yoo]
hot water
湯 means hot water used for bathing or washing.
湯がぬるいです。
The hot water is lukewarm.
が出ないんです
ga de nai n desu
isn't coming out
Used to explain a problem politely: something is not coming out / not working.
水が出ないんです。
The water isn't coming out.
Words in this phrase
が
ga
[gah]
subject marker
が marks お湯 as the thing being talked about.
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
出
de
[deh]
come out; flow out
出 is from 出る, often used for water, gas, or electricity becoming available.
水が出ないんです。
The water isn’t coming out.
ない
nai
[nah-ee]
not; does not
ない makes the verb negative.
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out.
ん
n
[n]
explanatory n
ん gives an explanatory or situational nuance.
お湯が出ないんです。
The hot water isn’t coming out, you see.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite ending
です makes the sentence polite and suitable for speaking to a landlord or stranger.
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
What 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