Meaning
To consume alcoholic beverages.
Cultural Background
The 'Nomikai' is a central part of Japanese corporate life. It's an opportunity for employees to bond outside the office. Pouring etiquette: Never pour your own drink. It is considered polite to pour for others and wait for them to pour for you. Age limit: The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Convenience stores will ask you to touch a screen to confirm you are over 20. Izakaya culture: These are Japanese pubs where 'osake o nomu' is accompanied by many small dishes (otsumami).
The Power of 'O'
Always use the 'o' in 'osake' to sound polite and natural. Men sometimes drop it, but for learners, keeping it is safer.
Driving Laws
Japan has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Even a small amount can lead to severe penalties.
Meaning
To consume alcoholic beverages.
The Power of 'O'
Always use the 'o' in 'osake' to sound polite and natural. Men sometimes drop it, but for learners, keeping it is safer.
Driving Laws
Japan has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Even a small amount can lead to severe penalties.
Ordering
Instead of 'Osake o kudasai,' order specific drinks like 'Nama-biiru' (draft beer) for a more natural experience.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
わたしは、お酒（ ）（ ）。 (I drink alcohol - polite)
The object marker 'o' is used with the verb 'nomimasu' (to drink).
Which phrase is a polite invitation to go for a drink?
Choose the best option:
'-masen ka' is the standard polite way to invite someone.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 今晩、飲みに行きませんか？ B: すみません、今日は（ ）。
B is declining the invitation, so the negative form is needed.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a party and want to toast.
'Kanpai' (Cheers) is used for toasting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of 'Osake'
Popular
- • Beer
- • Sake
- • Highball
- • Chuhai
Practice Bank
4 exercisesわたしは、お酒（ ）（ ）。 (I drink alcohol - polite)
The object marker 'o' is used with the verb 'nomimasu' (to drink).
Choose the best option:
'-masen ka' is the standard polite way to invite someone.
A: 今晩、飲みに行きませんか？ B: すみません、今日は（ ）。
B is declining the invitation, so the negative form is needed.
You are at a party and want to toast.
'Kanpai' (Cheers) is used for toasting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIn English, yes. In Japanese, 'Sake' (or 'Osake') is the general word for all alcohol, including beer and wine.
It's not rude, but it's helpful to have a reason (e.g., health, driving). You can say 'O-sake ga nomemasen.'
It's a blend of 'nomu' and 'communication,' referring to the bonding that happens over drinks.
No, always use 'nomu' (drink).
You say 'Yopparaimashita.'
Related Phrases
{飲|の}み{会|かい}
similarDrinking party
{乾|かん}{杯|ぱい}
builds onCheers!
おつまみ
similarSnacks for alcohol
はしご{酒|ざけ}
specialized formBar hopping
お{酒|さけ}に{酔|よ}う
builds onTo get drunk
