Definition: ‘Maji-mizu’ (マジ水) is a colloquial Japanese slang term derived from ‘maji’ (seriously/real) and ‘mizu’ (water). It is primarily used to describe alcoholic beverages that have been diluted with so much water or ice that they lack flavor or potency. It can also jokingly refer to any drink that tastes watery.
In Japanese izakaya culture, you might encounter a highball or a sour that seems to contain nothing but soda water. When a patron complains that their drink is more water than alcohol, they might call it maji-mizu.
Example:
A: Kono haibōru, aji ga usui ne.
B: Hontō da. Kore wa marude maji-mizu da yo.
(Translation: A: This highball tastes weak. B: You’re right. This is basically just watered-down stuff.)
Pro-Tip: While ‘maji-mizu’ is a playful slang, it’s best to avoid using it in formal settings. If you receive a drink that is truly unacceptable at a restaurant, it is more polite to use the term ‘usu-i’ (thin/weak) to communicate your concern to the staff.
Understanding slang like this helps you connect with the casual side of Japanese nightlife. If you are exploring Japanese drinking culture, you might also find our guides on Kimo-i for when something is gross, or Muri for when you’ve reached your limit!
