Tobacco is a widely known recreational product that is primarily consumed by smoking and is subject to strict health and social regulations.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A plant-based product used for smoking.
- Commonly referred to as cigarettes in English.
- Strictly regulated in public spaces in Japan.
概要
タバコ（煙草）は、ナス科タバコ属の植物の葉を加工した製品です。古くから世界中で嗜好品として親しまれてきましたが、現代では健康への影響が広く認識されています。日本では「タバコ」とカタカナで表記されるのが一般的ですが、漢字では「煙草」と書きます。2) 使用パターン: 基本的には「タバコを吸う」という動詞と共に使われます。また、本数を数える際は「1本、2本」という助数詞を用います。行動としては「タバコに火をつける」「タバコを消す」「タバコをやめる（禁煙）」などが頻出する表現です。3) 一般的な文脈: 日常会話では、喫煙所を探す際や、健康のために禁煙を検討する際によく話題に上ります。また、日本では公共の場所での喫煙が厳しく制限されており、指定された喫煙所以外での喫煙はマナー違反や条例違反となることが多いです。4) 類義語との比較: 「シガレット」は紙巻きタバコを指すより専門的な言葉ですが、日常会話では「タバコ」が圧倒的に使われます。「喫煙」はタバコを吸うという行為そのものを指す硬い表現であり、ニュースや公的な文書で用いられます。
Examples
父は毎日タバコを吸います。
everydayMy father smokes cigarettes every day.
館内は禁煙となっております。
formalSmoking is prohibited inside the building.
タバコをやめたいと思っています。
informalI want to quit smoking.
喫煙は健康に悪影響を及ぼします。
academicSmoking has a negative impact on health.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
タバコ休憩
Smoking break
タバコ代
Cost of cigarettes
Often Confused With
This is a formal noun referring to the act of smoking. Use 'Tabako' for the object and 'Kitsuen' for the activity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'Tabako' in casual and daily conversation. 'Kitsuen' is preferred in formal writing or signs. Always specify if you are a smoker or non-smoker when asked.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'taberu' (to eat) or 'nomu' (to drink) with tobacco, which is incorrect. Remember that 'suu' (to inhale) is the specific verb for smoking.
Tips
Use the correct verb for smoking
Always use 'suu' (to inhale/smoke) with tobacco. For example, 'Tabako o suimasu' means 'I smoke cigarettes'.
Strict public smoking laws
Be aware that smoking on the street is illegal in many Japanese cities. Look for designated smoking areas.
The concept of Kin-en
Japan places a high value on 'Kin-en' (non-smoking). Many restaurants and public buildings are strictly non-smoking areas.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Portuguese 'tabaco'. It was introduced to Japan by Portuguese traders in the late 16th century.
Cultural Context
Smoking culture in Japan has changed drastically. While it was common in offices and trains in the past, it is now strictly confined to designated areas due to health awareness.
Memory Tip
Think of the sound 'Ta-ba-ko'. Imagine taking a 'tab' from a pack and 'co' (calling) for a light. It helps associate the word with the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions日本では法律により、20歳未満の喫煙は禁止されています。年齢確認が行われることもあります。
意味は同じです。一般的にはカタカナの「タバコ」が使われますが、文章や公的な表記では漢字の「煙草」が使われることもあります。
指定された喫煙所や、喫煙が許可されている飲食店でのみ吸うことができます。路上喫煙は多くの自治体で禁止されています。
「喫煙（きつえん）」と言います。逆に吸わないことは「禁煙（きんえん）」や「非喫煙」と表現します。
Test Yourself
私は毎日タバコを___。
タバコは吸うものなので「吸います」が正解です。
Score: /1
Summary
Tobacco is a widely known recreational product that is primarily consumed by smoking and is subject to strict health and social regulations.
- A plant-based product used for smoking.
- Commonly referred to as cigarettes in English.
- Strictly regulated in public spaces in Japan.
Use the correct verb for smoking
Always use 'suu' (to inhale/smoke) with tobacco. For example, 'Tabako o suimasu' means 'I smoke cigarettes'.
Strict public smoking laws
Be aware that smoking on the street is illegal in many Japanese cities. Look for designated smoking areas.
The concept of Kin-en
Japan places a high value on 'Kin-en' (non-smoking). Many restaurants and public buildings are strictly non-smoking areas.
Examples
4 of 4父は毎日タバコを吸います。
My father smokes cigarettes every day.
館内は禁煙となっております。
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
タバコをやめたいと思っています。
I want to quit smoking.
喫煙は健康に悪影響を及ぼします。
Smoking has a negative impact on health.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
