【 電気ポット (denkipotto) 】hot water dispenser
電気ポット, also called ジャーポット (another wasei-eigo), is an electric-kettle-and-thermos-in-one. Since we drink a lot tea in Japan, it is a staple home appliance in many homes. It is especially popular amongst the older generation, as you can imagine, because they drink a lot tea.
Around 2001, Zojirushi developed a 電気ポット with a safety confirming service to remotely 見守る “look after” elderly family members, especially those who are living alone. The recipient would receive an email whenever grandma uses the dispenser, a sign that she’s probably making some tea, confirming her safety, that she’s up and well.
Outside of the home, there is always a 電気ポット at a コンビニ convenience store to provide hot water for customers who buy instant soups or cup ramen.
Terminology:
Below are some terminology that you’ll see on a Japanese 電気ポット (to help you in case you get stuck at a コンビニ):
沸かす = boil
再沸騰 = reboil
給湯 = dispense hot water (this is the button that you want to press)
ロック解除 = unlock
保温 = keep warm
Phrases for when the dispenser is out of water:
すみません、ポットにお湯がないです。
Excuse me, the dispenser is out of hot water.
すみません、ポットのお湯がなくなりました。
Excuse me, the dispenser ran out of hot water.
*お湯 = hot water
Phrases for when the dispenser is not working:
すみません、ポットからお湯が出ません。
Excuse me, the dispener isn’t working.
—
Check out more wasei-eigo around the home in this video.
