水壶 (shuǐ hú) literally combines 水 (shuǐ), meaning 'water', and 壶 (hú), meaning 'pot' or 'kettle'. It refers to a container designed specifically for holding, heating, or pouring water — commonly used in homes, offices, or during outdoor activities. Unlike a teapot (茶壶, cháhú), which is typically used for brewing tea, a 水壶 is more functional and neutral, often made of metal, plastic, or glass.

In everyday Chinese, 水壶 appears in contexts involving hydration, cooking, travel, or camping. It can refer to both electric kettles (电水壶, diàn shuǐhú) and simple insulated flasks (保温水壶, bǎowēn shuǐhú). While the term is generic and widely understood, regional preferences exist: in northern China, it may lean toward stovetop kettles; in southern areas, it often implies portable thermoses. The word carries no strong formality or informality — it’s standard, neutral vocabulary suitable for all registers.