ちゃんと飲む
chanto nomu
properly drink
Littéralement: chanto (properly/reliably) + nomu (to drink/swallow)
En 15 secondes
- Used for taking medicine or staying hydrated correctly.
- Implies following a specific rule, schedule, or health advice.
- Can sound parental or caring depending on the context.
Signification
This phrase means to drink something properly, correctly, or according to a specific instruction. It is most commonly used when talking about taking medicine or staying hydrated for health reasons.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6A doctor giving instructions to a patient.
この薬は、毎日ちゃんと飲んでください。
Please take this medicine properly every day.
A mother talking to her child during a hot day.
お水、ちゃんと飲みなさいよ。
Drink your water properly, okay?
Texting a friend who has a fever.
薬ちゃんと飲んだ？お大事にね！
Did you take your medicine properly? Get well soon!
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'chanto' is central to Japanese upbringing, emphasizing that there is a 'correct' way to perform every action. During the hot summer months, the government and media frequently use this phrase to prevent 'netsuchusho' (heatstroke). It highlights the cultural focus on self-care as a social responsibility.
The 'Parent' Vibe
Using `chanto` can sometimes make you sound like a mom or dad. Use it sparingly with friends unless they are actually sick!
Not for Alcohol
If you tell someone at a bar to `chanto nomu`, they might think you're challenging them to a drinking contest or scolding them.
En 15 secondes
- Used for taking medicine or staying hydrated correctly.
- Implies following a specific rule, schedule, or health advice.
- Can sound parental or caring depending on the context.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for doing things the right way. It means drinking something exactly as you are supposed to. Usually, this involves medicine, water, or a healthy soup. It is not just about the act of swallowing. It is about following a schedule or a rule. Think of it as 'drinking with purpose.' You are making sure the liquid actually does its job. It implies a sense of responsibility and attention to detail.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this with the ~te form for requests. Say ちゃんと飲んで when you want someone to take care. If you finished your medicine, say ちゃんと飲んだよ. You can use it with kudasai for extra politeness. It is a very flexible phrase for daily life. Just attach it to the person you care about. If you are talking to yourself, it is a reminder. If you are talking to others, it is a gentle nudge.
When To Use It
Use it when your friend has a nasty cold. It is perfect for reminding someone to stay hydrated. Use it during those humid Japanese summers. If a doctor gives you pills, they will use this. It shows you are being a responsible adult. It also shows you care about the other person's health. You might use it at a restaurant if someone is ignoring their tea. It is great for checking in on kids or elderly relatives.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your boss or superiors. It can sound a bit like you are lecturing them. Avoid using it for casual sodas or fun snacks. If you use it for alcohol, it sounds a bit strange. It might imply they are not drinking their beer fast enough. That is usually not the vibe you want! Keep it focused on health, necessity, and following rules. It is a 'serious' kind of drinking, not a 'party' kind.
Cultural Background
The word chanto is a huge deal in Japan. It means doing things according to the social standard. Children hear this word constantly from their parents. 'Do your homework chanto!' or 'Clean your room chanto!' It reflects the Japanese value of precision and reliability. When you use it, you tap into that culture. It shows you value order and doing things the 'correct' way. It is a very 'parental' word that carries a lot of weight.
Common Variations
You might hear ちゃんと飲まなきゃ which means 'I must drink properly.' Another one is ちゃんと飲めてる？ to ask if someone is able to drink. Sometimes people say しっかり飲む for a similar meaning. But chanto feels more like following a specific instruction. It is the gold standard for being a good patient. You can also say ちゃんと飲みきって to mean 'drink it all up properly.'
Notes d'usage
While neutral, `chanto` carries a nuance of 'doing what is expected.' Be careful using it with people of higher status as it can sound patronizing.
The 'Parent' Vibe
Using `chanto` can sometimes make you sound like a mom or dad. Use it sparingly with friends unless they are actually sick!
Not for Alcohol
If you tell someone at a bar to `chanto nomu`, they might think you're challenging them to a drinking contest or scolding them.
The Power of Chanto
In Japan, doing things `chanto` is a sign of being a 'shakkiri' (crisp/proper) adult. It's a high compliment to be told you do things `chanto`.
Exemples
6この薬は、毎日ちゃんと飲んでください。
Please take this medicine properly every day.
A standard medical instruction using the polite form.
お水、ちゃんと飲みなさいよ。
Drink your water properly, okay?
Uses the imperative 'nasai' which is common for parents.
薬ちゃんと飲んだ？お大事にね！
Did you take your medicine properly? Get well soon!
Shortened for a friendly, caring text message.
このお茶、高いんだからちゃんと飲んでよ！
This tea was expensive, so make sure you actually drink it!
A slightly humorous, playful nudge between friends.
体が心配だから、これちゃんと飲んで。
I'm worried about you, so please drink this properly.
Expresses deep care and concern for the other person.
休憩時間は水分をちゃんと飲みましょう。
Let's make sure to drink enough fluids during our break.
Encouraging collective health and safety in a professional setting.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence for a sick friend.
風邪薬、___ 飲んだ？
`chanto` is the most natural choice here because it asks if they followed the medicine instructions correctly.
How would you tell a child to drink their milk properly?
牛乳、___ 飲みなさい。
`chanto` implies they should finish it or drink it correctly as told.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Chanto Nomu'
Used with friends or children.
ちゃんと飲んで！
Standard way to talk about health.
ちゃんと飲みました。
Used by doctors or in public announcements.
ちゃんと飲んでください。
When to use 'Chanto Nomu'
Taking Pills
Follow the doctor's schedule.
Summer Heat
Stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke.
Sick Friend
Remind them to drink soup or water.
Expensive Drink
Don't let good tea go to waste.
Banque d exercices
2 exercices風邪薬、___ 飲んだ？
`chanto` is the most natural choice here because it asks if they followed the medicine instructions correctly.
牛乳、___ 飲みなさい。
`chanto` implies they should finish it or drink it correctly as told.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! You can say ちゃんと食べる (chanto taberu) to mean 'eat properly,' like finishing your vegetables or eating three meals a day.
The word itself is neutral. However, it is very common in casual speech. In very formal business settings, people might use 正確に (seikaku ni) or 適切に (tekisetsu ni) instead.
chanto focuses on following a rule or method. shikkari (しっかり) focuses on doing something firmly or in a large enough amount.
It's better to be more indirect. Instead of chanto nonde, try お大事になさってください (Please take care of yourself).
It can imply that, but usually it means 'drink it the way you are supposed to.' If you want to say 'drink it all,' use 全部飲んで (zenbu nonde).
Absolutely. It is very common to say 水をちゃんと飲む during the summer to encourage hydration.
Yes, in Japanese, you 'drink' (nomu) both liquid medicine and pills/tablets.
They might think you are telling them to stop sipping and start gulping, or that they are being too messy. It's usually taken as a joke.
No, they are unrelated. chanto is an adverb, while -chan is a diminutive suffix for names.
You would say ちゃんと飲みませんでした (chanto nomimasen deshita) or ちゃんと飲めなかった (chanto nomenakatta).
Expressions liées
しっかり食べる
To eat a hearty, proper meal.
水分補給
Hydration (literally: moisture replenishment).
お大事に
Get well soon / Take care.
規則正しく
Regularly / following a routine.
