A 'koppu' is a simple, handleless drinking vessel commonly used for water or cold drinks in daily life.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A container used for drinking water or cold beverages.
- Typically lacks a handle, distinguishing it from a mug.
- Also serves as a unit of measurement for volume.
概要
コップは、主に冷たい飲み物や水などを飲む際に使用される容器です。日本語では、取っ手があるものは「マグカップ」と呼び、取っ手がないものを「コップ」と呼ぶ傾向がありますが、日常会話では混同して使われることもあります。
類語との比較
「グラス」は主にガラス製のものを指し、「湯呑み」は日本茶を飲むための陶器を指します。「マグカップ」は温かい飲み物用で取っ手があるものを指します。コップはこれらの中でも最も一般的で広い意味を持つ言葉です。
Examples
コップに水を注ぐ。
everydayPour water into the glass.
冷たい麦茶をコップで飲む。
formalI drink cold barley tea from a cup.
コップを落として割ってしまった。
informalI dropped the glass and broke it.
実験でコップを使用する。
academicUse a beaker/cup for the experiment.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
コップ一杯の水
A glass of water
コップを割る
To break a glass
紙コップ
Paper cup
Often Confused With
Glass refers specifically to glass containers, often used for alcoholic beverages or in more formal dining settings.
Mug cup is specifically for hot drinks and always has a handle, whereas 'koppu' is usually handleless.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Koppu is a casual, everyday term used in domestic settings. Avoid using it in very formal business or high-end dining situations. It is universally understood regardless of the material of the cup.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'koppu' for hot coffee, but 'magu-kappu' (mug) is more appropriate. Also, do not use 'koppu' to refer to a bowl or a plate. Remember that it is a noun, not a verb.
Tips
Use 'koppu' for everyday drinking vessels
When you are at home or in a casual setting, 'koppu' is the perfect word for any glass or plastic cup. It is simple and widely understood by everyone.
Avoid using 'koppu' in formal settings
In high-end restaurants or formal business meetings, use 'glass' or 'cup' instead of 'koppu'. 'Koppu' sounds quite casual and sometimes childish.
The versatility of the word
In Japan, 'koppu' is a loanword from Dutch 'kop'. It has become a staple in Japanese households, illustrating how foreign words adapt to local daily life.
Word Origin
Derived from the Dutch word 'kop', which means cup. It entered the Japanese language during the Edo period through trade.
Cultural Context
In Japan, children are often taught to wash their own 'koppu' at school. It is a fundamental item in the daily life of Japanese people from a very young age.
Memory Tip
Think of the sound 'kop' as the sound a cup makes when you set it down on a table. It's a simple, everyday word for your daily drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsグラスは主にガラス製の容器を指すのに対し、コップは素材を問わず、飲み物を飲むための容器全般を指します。日常会話では同じ意味で使われることも多いです。
はい、よく使います。料理のレシピや薬の服用量などで、目安となる量を表す際に非常に便利な表現です。
取っ手がついている場合は「マグカップ」または「カップ」と呼ぶのが一般的です。コップという言葉は、基本的に取っ手のない形状を指すことが多いです。
はい、含まれます。素材が紙であっても、飲み物を飲むための容器であれば「紙コップ」と呼ばれます。
Test Yourself
喉が渇いたので、___に水を入れました。
水を飲むための容器はコップです。
「コップ」の説明として正しいものはどれですか？
コップは飲料用の容器を指す名詞です。
（一杯 / コップ / 水 / 飲みました / の）
「コップの水を一杯飲む」が自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
A 'koppu' is a simple, handleless drinking vessel commonly used for water or cold drinks in daily life.
- A container used for drinking water or cold beverages.
- Typically lacks a handle, distinguishing it from a mug.
- Also serves as a unit of measurement for volume.
Use 'koppu' for everyday drinking vessels
When you are at home or in a casual setting, 'koppu' is the perfect word for any glass or plastic cup. It is simple and widely understood by everyone.
Avoid using 'koppu' in formal settings
In high-end restaurants or formal business meetings, use 'glass' or 'cup' instead of 'koppu'. 'Koppu' sounds quite casual and sometimes childish.
The versatility of the word
In Japan, 'koppu' is a loanword from Dutch 'kop'. It has become a staple in Japanese households, illustrating how foreign words adapt to local daily life.
Examples
4 of 4コップに水を注ぐ。
Pour water into the glass.
冷たい麦茶をコップで飲む。
I drink cold barley tea from a cup.
コップを落として割ってしまった。
I dropped the glass and broke it.
実験でコップを使用する。
Use a beaker/cup for the experiment.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
