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B1 noun 8 min read

果汁

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 果汁 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 果汁 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that '果汁' (kajuu) means 'fruit juice.' You might see it on a bottle in a convenience store. It is related to the word 'kudamono' (fruit). You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember that if you see '果汁100%,' it is healthy, pure juice. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Kajuu ga suki desu' (I like fruit juice). At this stage, focusing on the visual recognition of the kanji '果' (fruit) is very helpful because it appears in many food-related words. Think of it as a tree with three fruits on top. The word 'kajuu' is a bit more 'grown-up' than 'juusu,' which is what children usually say.

At the A2 level, you can start using '果汁' in more descriptive sentences. You might describe a fruit as having a lot of juice: 'Kono mikan wa kajuu ga ooi desu' (This tangerine has a lot of juice). You should also be able to recognize it on menus. For example, if you see '果汁入り' (kajuu-iri), you know it contains some real fruit juice. You are moving beyond just naming things and starting to describe their qualities. You might also notice the word in simple cooking instructions, like 'Remon no kajuu wo iremasu' (Add lemon juice). This is a good time to learn the verb 'shiboru' (to squeeze), as they are often used together in daily life when talking about fresh drinks.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '果汁' and 'ジュース.' You realize that '果汁' is the substance itself, while 'ジュース' is the beverage category. You can understand more complex labels and advertisements. For instance, you might read a health article about the vitamins in 'sh新鮮な果汁' (fresh fruit juice). You can also use the word in social settings, like an Izakaya, where you might order a 'nama-shibori' drink and talk about the 'kajuu.' You should be comfortable with the long 'uu' sound in 'kajuu' and be able to distinguish it from 'kaniku' (pulp) when reading food labels. This level is about precision and making sure you are using the right word for the right context.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the legal and social implications of the word '果汁.' You might talk about Japanese labeling laws—how only 100% juice can show sliced fruit on the package. You can use '果汁' in more abstract or technical ways, such as discussing the 'kajuu-kan' (authentic juice feel) of a new candy or snack. You understand that '果汁' carries a nuance of 'natural' and 'pure' compared to artificial flavorings. You can participate in a discussion about nutrition, comparing 'kajuu' to whole fruits, and use appropriate particles and formal verbs like 'chuushutsu suru' (to extract). Your vocabulary is becoming more specialized, allowing you to read newspapers or watch news reports about the fruit industry or food safety.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's place in the Japanese lexicon. You can appreciate the use of '果汁' in literature or high-end culinary writing, where it might be used to evoke sensory imagery. You understand the historical development of the kanji and how 'kajuu' fits into the broader category of 'Kango' (Sino-Japanese words). You can explain the subtle differences between 'kajuu,' 'ekisu' (extract), and 'shibori-jiru' (squeezed liquid) to others. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use it for professional food criticism or technical reports. You might also recognize it in metaphorical contexts, though it is primarily a concrete noun, referring to the 'essence' or 'lifeblood' of a project in a very creative sense.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '果汁.' You can navigate complex legal documents regarding food standards and agricultural exports from Japan. You understand the chemical properties often associated with 'kajuu' in scientific papers, such as acidity (ph) or brix levels (sugar content). You can engage in nuanced debates about the impact of 'kajuu' concentration on the Japanese economy or international trade. You are also aware of regional variations and how different prefectures might market their 'kajuu' as a brand (like Aomori apples or Ehime mikan). Your use of the word is flawless, and you can switch between formal technical usage and casual descriptive usage with ease, always choosing the term that perfectly fits the rhetorical situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

果汁 in 30 Seconds

果汁 (kajuu) is the formal Japanese noun for fruit juice, specifically the liquid extracted from fruit.
It is commonly seen on food labels to indicate purity, such as '果汁100%' (100% juice).
The word is more technical and specific than the loanword 'ジュース' (juusu).
In Japan, strict laws regulate how the word and fruit images can be used on packaging.

The Japanese word 果汁 (かじゅう - kajuu) is a formal and precise noun that translates to "fruit juice." While English speakers often use the word "juice" generically for everything from 100% orange juice to fruit-flavored sodas, the Japanese language maintains a stricter distinction. 果汁 specifically refers to the liquid extracted from fruit. It is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) word, consisting of two kanji: 果 (fruit/result) and 汁 (juice/soup/liquid). When you see this word, you are dealing with the biological essence of the fruit itself.

Technical Nuance: Unlike the katakana word ジュース (juusu), which is used broadly in casual conversation, 果汁 is the standard term used on food labels, in scientific contexts, and in formal culinary descriptions. It implies a level of purity or a focus on the ingredient's origin.

このオレンジは果汁がたっぷりで、とてもジューシーだ。(This orange is full of juice and very juicy.)

In Japan, the use of this word is heavily regulated by labeling laws. For example, the Fair Trade Commission has strict rules about what can be called "juice" and how 果汁 is displayed on packaging. You will often see percentages like 果汁100% (100% fruit juice) or 果汁入り (containing fruit juice). This word is essential for anyone living in Japan who wants to understand what they are consuming, as it distinguishes between natural products and artificial flavors.

Kanji Breakdown: The first character, 果, represents a tree laden with fruit. It also means 'result' (as in 'the fruit of one's labor'). The second character, 汁, combines the water radical with a component representing a cross-section, signifying the liquid squeezed from something.

People use 果汁 when discussing health benefits, such as the vitamin content in fresh juice, or when describing the sensory experience of eating high-quality fruit. In a restaurant, you might see "生搾り果汁" (nama-shibori kajuu), which means freshly squeezed fruit juice, often served with cocktails or as a premium breakfast option. It evokes a sense of freshness and natural goodness that the generic term "drink" or "soda" lacks. Understanding this word helps you navigate menus, grocery stores, and health discussions with the precision of a native speaker.

レモンの果汁を料理の仕上げに加える。(Add lemon juice to the dish as a finishing touch.)

Using 果汁 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that describes a substance. It frequently appears in noun-modifying phrases or as the subject/object of verbs related to extraction and consumption. Because it is a more formal term, it is often paired with specific verbs like 絞る (shiboru - to squeeze), 含む (fukumu - to contain), or 抽出する (chuushutsu suru - to extract).

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 果汁を絞る (To squeeze juice) - Used when physically extracting liquid from fruit. 2. 果汁が含まれている (Contains juice) - Common on food labels. 3. 果汁が溢れる (Juice overflows/bursts) - Used descriptively for very ripe fruit.

このゼリーはグレープの果汁を贅沢に使用しています。(This jelly uses grape juice generously.)

In daily life, you will most often encounter 果汁 in the context of percentages. When shopping, you might compare two drinks: one labeled as 果汁10% (containing 10% juice) and another labeled as 果汁100% (pure juice). Note that in Japanese, the percentage usually follows the noun directly. Unlike English where we say "10% juice," Japanese often places the noun first: "果汁10パーセント." This structure emphasizes the substance before the quantity.

Sentence Patterns: [Fruit] + の + 果汁: オレンジの果汁 (Orange juice) [Adjective] + 果汁: 新鮮な果汁 (Fresh juice) 果汁 + [Particle] + [Verb]: 果汁を飲む (Drink juice)

Another important usage is in the world of flavoring. Products like candies, gums, and ice creams will advertise "果汁感" (kajuu-kan), which translates to a "juicy feeling" or "authentic juice sensation." This refers to how well the product mimics the taste and mouthfeel of real fruit juice. If a candy has a strong 果汁感, it is considered high quality because it doesn't taste like artificial chemicals.

リンゴの果汁を使ってソースを作りました。(I made a sauce using apple juice.)

You will hear 果汁 in several distinct environments in Japan. The most common is the supermarket or convenience store. If you listen to in-store announcements, you might hear staff promoting seasonal fruits: "果汁たっぷりの梨が入荷しました！" (Pears full of juice have arrived!). This highlights the juiciness of the fruit as its primary selling point.

Commercials and Advertisements: TV commercials for beverages like Gogo-no-Kocha or Minute Maid will frequently use the word 果汁 to emphasize the natural origin of their ingredients. They might use phrases like "果汁の滴" (drops of fruit juice) to create a visual and auditory sense of freshness.

この商品は果汁100%で、砂糖は一切使用していません。(This product is 100% fruit juice and uses no sugar at all.)

In restaurants, particularly Izakayas (Japanese pubs) or high-end bars, you will encounter 果汁 on the menu. A popular drink category is "生搾りサワー" (nama-shibori sawaa - freshly squeezed sour). The waiter might ask, "果汁を絞ってお入れしましょうか？" (Shall I squeeze the juice in for you?). In this context, the word reinforces the idea that you are getting real fruit, not a pre-mixed syrup. It is associated with a premium experience.

Cooking Shows and Magazines: Cooking programs like 'Kyō no Ryōri' often use 果汁 when explaining how to make dressings, marinades, or desserts. They might specify "ライムの果汁" (lime juice) to ensure the viewer uses the liquid component rather than the zest or the whole fruit.

Finally, in the health and beauty industry, 果汁 is mentioned in the context of nutrition. Health documentaries or articles about "kouso" (enzymes) often discuss the benefits of consuming raw 果汁 as part of a balanced diet. You might hear doctors or nutritionists discuss the sugar content of 果汁 versus eating whole fruit, emphasizing that while juice is natural, it lacks the fiber of the whole fruit. In all these contexts, the word carries a weight of authenticity and natural origin.

新鮮な果汁にはビタミンが豊富に含まれています。(Fresh fruit juice is rich in vitamins.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is over-relying on the loanword ジュース (juusu) when they should be using 果汁, or vice versa. While they both relate to juice, their usage is not identical. If you are describing the liquid inside a fruit, you should always use 果汁. Saying "オレンジのジュースが飛び出した" (The orange's juice popped out) sounds slightly unnatural; a native speaker would say "果汁が飛び出した."

Juice vs. Soda: In some older Japanese dialects or casual speech, 'juusu' can refer to any sweet carbonated drink. However, 果汁 can NEVER refer to soda. It is strictly the liquid from a fruit. Don't use 果汁 to describe a Fanta or a Sprite.

❌ このコーラは果汁です。(This cola is fruit juice.) - This is logically incorrect unless it's a very strange cola!

Another common error is confusing 果汁 with 果肉 (kaniku). While 果汁 is the liquid, 果肉 is the flesh or pulp of the fruit. If you are drinking orange juice with bits of orange in it, those bits are 果肉, not 果汁. Learners often mix these up because both start with the kanji for fruit (果). When you want to say a drink is "pulpy," you would say "果肉入り" (containing pulp).

Vegetable Juice: Do not use 果汁 for vegetable juice. For vegetables, use 野菜汁 (yasai-jiru) or, more commonly, 野菜ジュース (yasai juusu). 果汁 is exclusively for fruits (果物).

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'u' in 'kajuu' is a long vowel (かじゅう). If you shorten it to 'kaju', it sounds like a different word or simply incorrect. In Japanese, vowel length is crucial for meaning. Practice saying "ka-ju-u" with a steady, long ending to ensure you are understood clearly by native speakers, especially in noisy environments like a supermarket or a busy cafe.

To truly master the concept of 果汁, it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese words that describe liquids or fruit parts. Depending on the context—whether you are in a lab, a kitchen, or a grocery store—you might choose a different term to be more precise.

果汁 vs. ジュース (Juusu): ジュース is the general, everyday word for juice. It is used when ordering at a cafe or talking to children. 果汁 is the technical term for the liquid itself. You drink ジュース, but a drink contains 果汁.
果汁 vs. エキス (Ekisu): エキス means 'extract.' While 果汁 is the liquid obtained by squeezing, エキス is often obtained through chemical or concentrated processes. You'll see 'fruit extract' in cosmetics or concentrated flavorings.

この化粧水には植物のエキスが配合されています。(This lotion contains plant extracts.) - Here, 'kajuu' would be inappropriate.

Another alternative is 絞り汁 (shibori-jiru). This is a broader term that means "squeezed liquid" from anything—fruits, vegetables, or even ginger. If you are in the kitchen and need to squeeze the liquid out of some grated radish (daikon-oroshi), you would call that liquid 絞り汁, not 果汁. 果汁 is specifically for fruits.

Scientific Terms: In a biology context, you might hear 樹液 (jueki - tree sap) or 汁液 (juueki - plant juice/fluid). These are much more technical and describe the internal fluids of plants. For a consumer, 果汁 remains the most relevant and frequently used term for anything fruit-related.

Lastly, consider the word シロップ (shiroppu). If a fruit liquid has been heavily sweetened and thickened, it becomes a syrup. While it may have started as 果汁, the addition of sugar changes its classification. In Japanese desserts like 'shaved ice' (kakigori), you pour シロップ over the ice, which might be fruit-flavored, but it is rarely pure 果汁. Distinguishing between these terms will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 汁 (shiru) originally depicted water being squeezed out of a container, which perfectly matches its use in 'kajuu'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɑː.dʒuː/

US /kɑ.dʒu/

Even stress on both syllables (Heiban accent), with a slight rise and then sustain on the 'juu'.

Rhymes With

真珠 (shinju) 宇宙 (uchuu) 自由 (jiyuu) 理由 (riyuu) 空中 (kuuchuu) 入居 (nyuukyo) 追求 (tsuikyuu) 夢中 (muchuu)

Common Errors

Shortening the 'uu' to 'u', making it sound like 'kaju'.
Pronouncing 'ka' as 'kay'.
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.
Confusing the 'j' sound with a 'z' sound.
Stopping the sound abruptly at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but the second one (汁) can be confused with others.

Writing 4/5

Writing 汁 correctly requires attention to the water radical.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is easy if you remember the long vowel.

Listening 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

果物 (kudamono) 飲み物 (nomimono) 水 (mizu) 甘い (amai) おいしい (oishii)

Learn Next

果肉 (kaniku) 含有量 (ganyuryou) 抽出 (chuushutsu) 濃縮 (noushuku) 還元 (kangen)

Advanced

糖度 (toudo) 酸味 (sanmi) 風味 (fuumi) 酸化 (sanka) 殺菌 (sakkin)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + Noun

リンゴの果汁 (Apple juice)

Noun + が + Adjective

果汁が多い (Lots of juice)

Noun + を + Verb

果汁を絞る (Squeeze juice)

Te-form for sequence

果汁を絞って、グラスに入れる (Squeeze the juice and put it in a glass)

Noun + 入り

果汁入り (Containing juice)

Examples by Level

これはリンゴの果汁です。

This is apple juice.

Uses 'no' to connect the fruit to the juice.

果汁が好きです。

I like fruit juice.

Simple 'ga suki' pattern.

果汁100%のジュースを買いました。

I bought 100% fruit juice.

Shows the common percentage usage.

オレンジの果汁は甘いです。

Orange juice is sweet.

Subject-Adjective sentence.

果汁を飲みます。

I drink fruit juice.

Direct object with 'wo'.

この果汁はおいしいです。

This fruit juice is delicious.

Demonstrative 'kono'.

スーパーで果汁を売っています。

They sell fruit juice at the supermarket.

Locative 'de'.

果汁は体にいいです。

Fruit juice is good for the body.

Topic marker 'wa' and 'ni ii' (good for).

レモンの果汁を少し入れます。

I will put in a little lemon juice.

Uses 'sukoshi' (a little) as an adverb.

このミカンは果汁が多いです。

This tangerine has a lot of juice.

Adjective 'ooi' describing the amount of juice.

果汁を絞って飲みましょう。

Let's squeeze some juice and drink it.

Te-form for sequential actions.

果汁が入っていない飲み物もあります。

There are also drinks that don't contain fruit juice.

Negative form 'itte inai'.

新鮮な果汁は香りがいいです。

Fresh fruit juice has a good scent.

Adjective 'shinsenna' (fresh).

果汁たっぷりのゼリーを食べました。

I ate a jelly full of fruit juice.

'Tappuri' (plenty/full) modifying the noun.

子供は果汁のジュースが大好きです。

Children love fruit juice.

'Daisuki' for strong preference.

果汁の色はとてもきれいです。

The color of the fruit juice is very beautiful.

Possessive 'no'.

このジュースは果汁100%ではありません。

This juice is not 100% fruit juice.

Negative 'dewa arimasen'.

果汁を抽出する機械を使います。

I use a machine to extract fruit juice.

Formal verb 'chuushutsu suru'.

果肉と果汁を分けてください。

Please separate the pulp and the juice.

Contrasting 'kaniku' and 'kajuu'.

果汁本来の味を楽しめます。

You can enjoy the original taste of the fruit juice.

'Honrai no' (original/intrinsic).

料理に果汁を加えると、味がさっぱりします。

Adding fruit juice to cooking makes the taste refreshing.

Conditional 'to' for natural results.

果汁が服に飛んでしまいました。

The fruit juice accidentally splashed onto my clothes.

Regretful 'te shimatta'.

ラベルに果汁の含有量が書いてあります。

The amount of fruit juice content is written on the label.

Compound word 'ganyuryou' (content amount).

果汁の甘みだけで十分です。

The sweetness of the juice alone is enough.

'Dakede' (with just).

果汁の濃度を調整する必要があります。

It is necessary to adjust the concentration of the fruit juice.

Noun 'noudo' (concentration) and 'hitsuyou ga aru'.

このお菓子は果汁感があって、本物の果物のようです。

This candy has a juicy feel and is like real fruit.

Suffix '-kan' (feeling/sensation).

果汁の酸化を防ぐために、密閉容器に入れます。

To prevent oxidation of the juice, put it in an airtight container.

Verb 'fusegu' (to prevent) and 'tame ni' (in order to).

果汁の成分が沈殿することがありますが、品質には問題ありません。

Juice components may settle, but there is no problem with quality.

Formal phrase 'hinshitsu ni wa mondai arimasen'.

果汁を濃縮還元して、コストを抑えています。

They reduce costs by using juice from concentrate.

Technical term 'noushuku kangen' (reconstituted from concentrate).

新鮮な果汁をベースにしたカクテルが人気です。

Cocktails based on fresh fruit juice are popular.

'Beesu ni shita' (based on).

果汁の酸味が、肉の脂っこさを和らげます。

The acidity of the juice softens the greasiness of the meat.

Verb 'yawarageru' (to soften/ease).

果汁の輸出量が、前年に比べて増加しました。

The export volume of fruit juice increased compared to the previous year.

'Ni kurabete' (compared to).

果汁の香気成分を損なわないよう、低温で処理します。

Process at low temperatures so as not to damage the aromatic components of the juice.

Noun 'kouki seibun' (aromatic components) and 'sokonawanai you' (so as not to damage).

果汁の微妙な風味の差を、ソムリエが見極めます。

The sommelier discerns the subtle differences in the juice's flavor.

Verb 'mikiwameru' (to discern/judge).

果汁の供給が滞り、価格が高騰しています。

The supply of juice has stalled, and prices are skyrocketing.

Verbs 'todokooru' (to stall) and 'koutou suru' (to skyrocket).

果汁の搾りかすは、家畜の飼料として再利用されます。

The pomace (juice residue) is reused as livestock feed.

Noun 'shibori-kasu' (residue/pomace).

果汁の糖度を測定し、収穫の時期を決定します。

Measure the sugar content of the juice to determine the harvest time.

Noun 'toudo' (sugar content).

果汁に含まれる酵素が、消化を助ける働きをします。

Enzymes contained in the juice work to aid digestion.

Noun 'kouso' (enzyme) and 'hataraki wo suru' (to function/work).

果汁の透明度を高めるために、ろ過工程を繰り返します。

Repeat the filtration process to increase the clarity of the juice.

Noun 'toumeido' (clarity/transparency).

果汁の品質管理は、消費者の信頼に直結します。

Quality control of juice directly impacts consumer trust.

Verb 'chokketsu suru' (to be directly linked).

果汁の成分分析を通じて、産地の偽装を見破ることが可能です。

It is possible to detect origin fraud through component analysis of the juice.

Noun 'seibun bunseki' (component analysis) and 'gisou' (fraud/falsification).

果汁の粘性が、加工食品の食感に多大な影響を及ぼします。

The viscosity of the juice has a significant impact on the texture of processed foods.

Noun 'neisei' (viscosity) and 'eikyou wo oyobosu' (to exert influence).

果汁のバイオテクノロジーによる改良が、農業の未来を担っています。

Improvement of juice through biotechnology carries the future of agriculture.

Verb 'ninau' (to carry/shoulder).

果汁の殺菌処理において、栄養素の保持が最大の課題です。

In the sterilization process of juice, preserving nutrients is the biggest challenge.

Noun 'sakkin shori' (sterilization) and 'hoji' (preservation/retention).

果汁の市場動向を鑑みると、オーガニック製品の需要は今後も伸びるでしょう。

Considering market trends for juice, demand for organic products will likely continue to grow.

Formal verb 'kanmiru' (to take into account/consider).

果汁のポリフェノール濃度は、品種や栽培方法によって千差万別です。

Polyphenol concentrations in juice vary infinitely depending on the variety and cultivation method.

Idiom 'sensabambetsu' (infinite variety).

果汁の抽出効率を極限まで高める新技術が開発されました。

A new technology has been developed to increase juice extraction efficiency to the limit.

Noun 'chuushutsu kouritsu' (extraction efficiency).

果汁の風味を損なうことなく長期保存する技術は、極めて高度です。

The technology to preserve juice for a long time without damaging its flavor is extremely advanced.

Adverb 'kiwamete' (extremely).

Common Collocations

果汁100%

果汁たっぷり

果汁を絞る

果汁入り

果汁感

果汁が溢れる

果汁を抽出する

果汁の酸味

果汁の色

果汁を飛ばす

Common Phrases

生搾り果汁

— Freshly squeezed fruit juice. Often seen on cocktail menus.

生搾り果汁を使ったサワーを注文する。

濃縮還元果汁

— Juice made from concentrate. Common on commercial juice cartons.

濃縮還元果汁は、一度水分を飛ばしてまた戻したものです。

果汁含有量

— Fruit juice content. Used in nutrition and labeling.

果汁含有量を確認してから買う。

果汁飲料

— Fruit juice beverage. A category of drinks that contain some juice.

果汁飲料のコーナーを探す。

果汁の滴

— Drops of fruit juice. Often used in poetic or marketing descriptions.

果汁の滴がテーブルに落ちた。

果汁エキス

— Fruit juice extract. Used in processed foods or cosmetics.

果汁エキスが配合されています。

果汁源

— Source of juice. Referring to the fruit from which juice is derived.

このリンゴが果汁源です。

果汁分

— The juice portion or component of a mixture.

果汁分を増やすとおいしくなる。

果汁の甘み

— The natural sweetness of the fruit juice.

果汁の甘みを生かしたお菓子。

果汁が滴る

— Juice is dripping. Describes very ripe fruit.

果汁が滴るほど熟したスイカ。

Often Confused With

果汁 vs 果肉 (kaniku)

Kaniku is the pulp/flesh, Kajuu is the liquid.

果汁 vs ジュース (juusu)

Juusu is the drink category, Kajuu is the substance.

果汁 vs エキス (ekisu)

Ekisu is a concentrated extract, Kajuu is pure liquid.

Idioms & Expressions

"果汁が滴るような"

— Extremely fresh or youthful. Used to describe people or things with vibrant energy.

彼女は果汁が滴るような若さがある。

Literary

"果汁を絞り尽くす"

— To squeeze out every last bit of value or effort. Metaphorical use of 'squeezing juice'.

彼はプロジェクトから果汁を絞り尽くした。

Informal/Metaphorical

"甘い果汁に誘われる"

— To be lured by a tempting or sweet offer. Often used for insects or metaphorical 'traps'.

虫たちが甘い果汁に誘われて集まる。

General

"果汁100%の笑顔"

— A pure, genuine, and refreshing smile. A modern creative expression.

彼女は果汁100%の笑顔を見せた。

Slang/Creative

"果汁の抜けた"

— Lifeless or lacking vitality. Like a fruit that has lost its juice.

果汁の抜けたような表情をしている。

Literary

"果汁があふれ出す"

— Emotion or talent overflowing. Metaphorical for 'bursting'.

彼の才能が果汁のようにあふれ出す。

Poetic

"果汁を分ける"

— To share the benefits or results. Rare metaphorical use.

成功の果汁をみんなで分ける。

Rare

"果汁を吸う"

— To take advantage of someone's hard work. Similar to 'leeching'.

他人の努力の果汁を吸う。

Negative/Informal

"果汁の香りが漂う"

— A situation that feels fresh or promising.

新しい計画には果汁の香りが漂っている。

Metaphorical

"果汁に溺れる"

— To be overwhelmed by abundance or sweetness.

贅沢な果汁に溺れるような体験。

Literary

Easily Confused

果汁 vs 果実 (kajitsu)

Both start with 'ka' and relate to fruit.

Kajitsu means the whole fruit or the fruit as a biological entity, while kajuu is specifically the liquid.

果実を丸ごと食べる (Eat the whole fruit).

果汁 vs 汁 (shiru)

It is the second half of kajuu.

Shiru usually means soup or broth (like miso soup) when used alone. Kajuu is specifically for fruit.

味噌汁を飲む (Drink miso soup).

果汁 vs 水分 (suibun)

Both refer to liquid content.

Suibun is the scientific term for moisture/water content. Kajuu is the flavored liquid from fruit.

体の水分を補給する (Replenish body moisture).

果汁 vs 出汁 (dashi)

Contains the 'shiru' kanji (variant).

Dashi is cooking stock made from fish or seaweed. Kajuu is from fruit.

昆布で出汁をとる (Make stock with kelp).

果汁 vs エキス (ekisu)

Both are liquids from a source.

Ekisu is a concentrated extract, often used in tiny amounts. Kajuu is the bulk liquid.

バニラエキス (Vanilla extract).

Sentence Patterns

[Fruit] の果汁です。

これはブドウの果汁です。

果汁が [Adjective] です。

果汁が甘いです。

果汁を [Verb] ましょう。

果汁を絞りましょう。

果汁 [Percentage] 入りの [Noun]

果汁50%入りの飲料。

果汁の [Noun] が [Adjective] です。

果汁の濃度が高いです。

果汁を [Verb-Stem] ながら [Verb]。

果汁を味わいながら飲みます。

果汁の [Noun] を [Verb] する。

果汁の品質を管理する。

果汁の [Noun] に [Verb] する。

果汁の成分に注目する。

Word Family

Nouns

果実 (fruit)

汁物 (soup dish)

果肉 (fruit pulp)

果皮 (fruit skin)

Verbs

絞る (to squeeze)

抽出する (to extract)

滴る (to drip)

Adjectives

ジューシーな (juicy)

瑞々しい (mizumizushii - fresh/juicy)

糖度 (sugar content)

酸味 (acidity)

鮮度 (freshness)

濃縮 (concentration)

還元 (reconstitution)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially shopping and dining.

Common Mistakes

Using 'juusu' for the liquid inside a fruit. → Use 'kajuu'.
Native speakers use 'kajuu' to describe the biological liquid. 'Juusu' is the name of the drink in a glass.
Using 'kajuu' for vegetable juice. → Use 'yasai-jiru' or 'yasai juusu'.
The 'ka' in 'kajuu' strictly means fruit. It cannot be used for tomatoes, carrots, or spinach.
Shortening the pronunciation to 'kaju'. → Say 'kajuu'.
The long 'uu' is essential. Shortening it makes the word unrecognizable or sounds like 'cashew'.
Confusing 'kajuu' with 'kaniku'. → Check if you mean liquid (kajuu) or solid pulp (kaniku).
Both are parts of the fruit, but one is liquid and the other is solid.
Writing '汁' with only two dots. → Use three dots (the water radical).
The water radical (sanzui) always has three strokes. Two dots would make it a different radical.

Tips

The Fruit Tree Soup

Remember the kanji: 果 (Fruit) + 汁 (Soup). Fruit juice is just 'fruit soup'!

Check the Label

Next time you're in Japan, look for '果汁' on every bottle. It's a great way to practice reading kanji in the wild.

Quantity Placement

Remember that percentages like 100% usually come *after* 果汁 (e.g., 果汁100%).

Long Vowel Practice

Tap your finger twice for the 'juu' in 'kajuu' to make sure you hold it long enough.

Fruit Types

Learn fruit names like リンゴ (apple) and オレンジ (orange) to use with 果汁 using the 'no' particle.

Izakaya Secret

Ordering 'Nama-shibori' usually means you get to squeeze the 果汁 yourself. It's fun and fresh!

Kanji Stroke Order

For 汁, write the three dots on the left first, then the cross on the right.

TV Ads

Listen for the word 'kajuu' in beverage commercials; it's often emphasized with a refreshing sound effect.

Juice vs Extract

Use 'kajuu' for drinking and 'ekisu' for medicine or cosmetics.

Natural Sweetness

In health contexts, '果汁の甘み' (sweetness of juice) is used to describe natural sugars.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ka' as 'Kajillion' and 'Juu' as 'Juice'. A 'Kajillion' drops of 'Juice' make up the 果汁 (kajuu).

Visual Association

Imagine a tree (果) dripping with liquid (汁). The tree is the source, and the liquid is the essence.

Word Web

Orange Apple Squeeze Glass Vitamin Sweet Label 100%

Challenge

Go to a Japanese grocery store (or look online) and find three different drinks. Check if they say '果汁100%' or '果汁入り'.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. It was introduced to Japanese from Middle Chinese roots.

Original meaning: The liquid of a fruit.

Japonic (Kanji/Han characters).

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities. It is a neutral, positive word related to food and health.

In English, 'juice' is broad. In Japan, 果汁 is strictly the liquid, and ジュース is the category.

Minute Maid Japan advertisements frequently use '果汁たっぷり'. Suntory's 'Gokuri' series emphasizes '果汁感'. Japanese food labeling laws (Fair Trade Commission).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Supermarket Shopping

果汁100%ですか？
果汁入りを探しています。
果汁の量はどれくらいですか？
この果汁は新鮮ですか？

Cooking

レモンの果汁を入れます。
果汁を絞ってください。
果汁でソースを作ります。
果汁の酸味がポイントです。

Ordering at a Bar

生搾りの果汁がいいです。
果汁を多めにしてください。
果汁のフレッシュさが最高です。
果汁を自分で絞りますか？

Health Discussion

果汁にはビタミンがあります。
果汁の糖分に気をつけています。
新鮮な果汁を毎朝飲みます。
果汁は体にいい影響を与えます。

Describing Fruit

果汁が溢れています。
果汁たっぷりの桃です。
果汁が滴っています。
果汁が少なくてパサパサです。

Conversation Starters

"「果汁100%のジュースと、そうじゃないのはどっちが好きですか？」 (Do you prefer 100% juice or not?)"

"「この果物、果汁がすごくて美味しいですよ。食べてみますか？」 (This fruit is so juicy and delicious. Want to try some?)"

"「最近、果汁を使った手作りドレッシングにはまっているんです。」 (Recently, I'm into making homemade dressings using fruit juice.)"

"「生搾り果汁のサワー、どこか美味しいお店を知っていますか？」 (Do you know any good places for freshly squeezed fruit juice sours?)"

"「子供の頃、果汁のグミをよく食べましたか？」 (Did you often eat fruit juice gummies when you were a kid?)"

Journal Prompts

今日飲んだ果汁について、味や香りを詳しく書いてみましょう。 (Write in detail about the taste and aroma of the fruit juice you drank today.)

果汁100%の飲み物と、砂糖が入った飲み物のどちらが健康にいいと思いますか？ (Which do you think is better for health: 100% juice or drinks with sugar?)

あなたが一番好きな果汁は何ですか？その理由も教えてください。 (What is your favorite fruit juice? Please tell me the reason as well.)

果汁を絞る時の感覚をオノマトペを使って表現してみましょう。 (Try to express the sensation of squeezing juice using onomatopoeia.)

果汁たっぷりの果物を食べた時の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about a memory of eating a fruit that was full of juice.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. While 'juice' can be used for any sweet drink in English, 果汁 in Japanese specifically refers to the biological liquid extracted from a fruit. For a general drink, Japanese people use the katakana word ジュース (juusu).

No, 果汁 is exclusively for fruits. For vegetables, you should use 野菜汁 (yasai-jiru) or 野菜ジュース (yasai juusu). The 'ka' in kajuu specifically means fruit.

Yes, it is more formal and technical than ジュース. You will see it on labels, in news reports, and on restaurant menus, whereas you would use ジュース when talking to a friend or a child.

It means the drink consists entirely of juice extracted from fruit, with no added water or sugar (though it may be reconstituted from concentrate). In Japan, this is a strictly regulated label.

You can say '果汁が多い' (kajuu ga ooi - literally 'juice is plenty') or '果汁たっぷり' (kajuu tappuri). Alternatively, you can use the katakana word ジューシー (juushii).

This means 'concentrated and reconstituted fruit juice.' The juice was evaporated to a concentrate for transport and then water was added back later.

Yes! In Japanese, long vowels change the meaning. 'Kaju' is not a word, but 'kajuu' is. Always sustain the final 'u' sound.

果汁 (kajuu) is the liquid juice. 果肉 (kaniku) is the solid flesh or pulp of the fruit. If you like pulpy orange juice, you are looking for '果肉入り' (containing pulp).

No, that would be very strange! Miso is not a fruit. You would just say '味噌汁' (miso-shiru) for miso soup.

In Japan, only 100% 果汁 drinks can show a sliced fruit. This is a legal requirement to help consumers quickly identify the purity of the juice.