熱湯

• Reading: ねっとう
• Romaji: nettou
• Kanji breakdown: 熱 (netsu) — heat, fever; 湯 (tou) — hot water
• Pronunciation: /net.toː/

Meaning

Boiling water; very hot water at or near 100°C.

A noun specifically meaning boiling or scalding hot water, distinct from お湯 (oyu, hot water in general). Used in cooking instructions, safety warnings, and household contexts. Common phrases include 熱湯を注ぐ (pour boiling water), 熱湯消毒 (sterilisation with boiling water), and 熱湯に注意 (caution: boiling water). Instant noodle and tea preparation frequently reference this word.

Examples

1. カップ麺に熱湯を注いで三分間待ってください。 Pour boiling water into the cup noodles and wait three minutes.
2. 哺乳瓶は熱湯で消毒するのが基本だ。 The basic rule is to sterilize baby bottles with boiling water.
3. 熱湯をこぼしてやけどをしないように気をつけて。 Be careful not to spill boiling water and burn yourself.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, household, safety, food preparation

Tone: practical

Origin & History

From 熱 (netsu, heat) + 湯 (tou, hot water). A straightforward compound meaning 'hot hot-water,' emphasising that this is water at boiling temperature, not merely warm.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal