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A2 noun 9 min de leitura

おさけ

osake

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas おさけ em 30 segundos

Explicação おさけ in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize 'osake' as the basic word for 'alcohol.' The focus is on simple sentences like 'Osake wo nomimasu' (I drink alcohol) or 'Osake wo nomimasen' (I don't drink alcohol). Students learn to identify the word in a restaurant menu and understand that the 'o' at the beginning makes it polite. The primary goal is to be able to state whether one consumes alcohol or not and to recognize the word when offered a drink. Visual recognition of the kanji 酒 (sake) is also introduced as it appears frequently on storefronts and menus. Learners are taught that in Japan, the legal drinking age is 20, and 'osake' is the word used in that context.

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At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'osake' to include preferences and social interactions. They learn to say 'Osake ga suki desu' (I like alcohol) and how to order specific types of drinks. They become familiar with the concept of an 'izakaya' where 'osake' is the main attraction. Grammar-wise, they start using 'osake' with adjectives like 'tsuyoi' (strong) and 'yowai' (weak) to describe alcohol tolerance. They also learn basic etiquette, such as not pouring for themselves. The distinction between 'osake' (general alcohol) and 'Nihonshu' (rice wine) is clarified to avoid confusion when ordering. Learners can now handle basic conversations about drinking habits and social outings.

By B1, learners can discuss the cultural significance of 'osake' in more detail. They understand the concept of 'nomihoudai' (all-you-can-drink) and can navigate more complex social drinking situations. They use the word in sentences describing experiences, such as 'Osake wo nomi-sugimashita' (I drank too much alcohol). They are introduced to the various types of Japanese alcohol like Shochu and Umeshu. The use of 'osake' in expressing social obligations (e.g., attending a 'nomikai') becomes clearer. Learners can also understand basic health warnings or news reports involving 'osake.' They start to perceive the difference in register between 'osake' and the more formal 'shurui' or the technical 'arukooru.'

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At the B2 level, learners can engage in nuanced discussions about 'osake,' such as the differences between various regions' production methods or the impact of alcohol on society. They can use the word in complex grammatical structures, such as 'Osake wo nomu koto ni yotte...' (By drinking alcohol...). They understand idiomatic expressions and the role of 'osake' in Japanese literature and history. Discussions might include the economic impact of the sake industry or the changing trends among younger Japanese people who drink less 'osake' than previous generations. Their vocabulary includes terms for fermentation, brewing, and specific grades of sake like 'Junmai' or 'Ginjo.'

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C1 learners possess a deep understanding of 'osake' as both a linguistic and cultural phenomenon. They can discuss the intricate details of Shinto rituals involving 'omiki' (sacred sake) and the historical evolution of the word. They are comfortable using 'osake' in academic or professional discussions about public health, law, or history. They can interpret the subtle social cues involved in drinking culture, such as the hierarchical implications of who pours 'osake' for whom and when. They can read and understand complex texts, such as laws regarding 'Inshu-unten' (drunk driving) or articles on the chemistry of fermentation. Their usage of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including the use of appropriate honorifics.

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At the C2 level, mastery of 'osake' includes an appreciation for its role in classical Japanese poetry (waka and haiku) and its philosophical connotations. The learner can discuss the aesthetics of 'osake'—the choice of glassware, the temperature at which it is served, and how it complements different seasonal foods. They can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of alcohol advertising or the sociology of 'nomunication.' They understand the most obscure dialects and archaic terms related to alcohol. For a C2 learner, 'osake' is not just a vocabulary word but a gateway to a deep understanding of the Japanese psyche, social structure, and historical continuity.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

おさけ em 30 segundos

Osake is the polite Japanese word for any alcoholic beverage, including beer, wine, and spirits.
While the West uses 'sake' for rice wine, in Japan, 'osake' is the broad umbrella term.
The prefix 'o' is honorific, making the word suitable for polite conversation and restaurant settings.
Drinking osake is a vital social activity in Japan for bonding and celebrating special occasions.

The Japanese word おさけ (Osake) is a cornerstone of Japanese social culture and linguistic etiquette. At its most basic level, it translates to 'alcohol' or 'alcoholic beverages.' However, its usage is nuanced and deeply tied to the context of the conversation. While English speakers often use the word 'sake' to refer specifically to Japanese rice wine (Nihonshu), in Japanese, 'osake' serves as a broad umbrella term that encompasses everything from beer and wine to whiskey, shochu, and indeed, rice wine. The 'o' (お) at the beginning is an honorific prefix, known as bikago (beautified language), which adds a level of politeness and refinement to the noun. Without the 'o', the word is simply 'sake' (さけ), which is still used, but 'osake' is the standard polite form used in daily conversation, especially when speaking to superiors, strangers, or in a restaurant setting.

General Category: Refers to any alcoholic drink including beer (biiru), wine (wain), and spirits.
Specific Context: In traditional settings, it may specifically imply Nihonshu (Japanese rice wine).

Understanding the cultural weight of 'osake' is crucial. It is not just a drink; it is a tool for social bonding, a concept known as nomunication (a portmanteau of 'nomu' - to drink, and 'communication'). Whether it is a formal business dinner or a casual night out at an izakaya, offering and receiving 'osake' facilitates the breaking down of social barriers (the honne and tatemae dynamic). In religious contexts, 'osake' is offered to Shinto gods and is known as omiki, highlighting its sacred origins. When you use this word, you are tapping into a vast history of fermentation, ritual, and community building that has defined Japanese social life for centuries.

すみません、おさけのメニューはありますか？ (Excuse me, do you have an alcohol menu?)

Furthermore, 'osake' is often used to describe one's relationship with alcohol. For example, if someone asks if you 'drink,' they will use 'osake' as the object of the verb. It is the default term for the substance itself, the act of drinking, and the culture surrounding it. Even in medical or legal contexts, while 'arukooru' (alcohol) might be used for technical precision, 'osake' remains the human, lived-experience term for the beverage that brings people together.

Using おさけ (Osake) correctly involves pairing it with the right particles and verbs. The most common verb associated with it is nomu (to drink). In a polite setting, you would say 'Osake wo nomimasu' (I drink alcohol). To express a preference or a state, you might use 'suki' (like) or 'kirai' (dislike). For instance, 'Osake ga suki desu' means 'I like alcohol.' Note the change from the object particle 'wo' to the subject particle 'ga' when using 'suki'.

Tolerance: Use 'Osake ni tsuyoi' (strong against alcohol) to mean you have a high tolerance, and 'Osake ni yowai' (weak against alcohol) for low tolerance.
State of Being: 'Osake ga haitte iru' (alcohol has entered) is a common way to say someone is currently tipsy or has been drinking.

彼はおさけにとても強いです。 (He has a very high alcohol tolerance.)

In Japan, drinking is often a collective activity. When you are at a party, you might hear the phrase 'Osake wo tsugu' (to pour alcohol). It is a vital part of etiquette to pour for others and never for yourself. If your glass is empty, someone will likely offer to pour more for you by saying 'Osake, ikaga desu ka?' (How about some alcohol/sake?). To politely decline, you can say 'Osake wa kekkou desu' (Alcohol is fine/No thank you).

健康のために、おさけを控えめにしています。 (I am cutting back on alcohol for my health.)

Advanced learners should also be aware of the 'o' prefix's flexibility. While 'osake' is standard, in very formal or written contexts, you might see 'shurui' (liquor types) or 'shu' (as a suffix, e.g., Nihonshu, Budoushu). However, in the flow of natural speech, 'osake' is the most versatile and safe choice. It covers everything from the cheap 'one-cup' sake at a convenience store to the most expensive vintage whiskey at a Ginza bar.

The word おさけ (Osake) is ubiquitous in Japan. You will hear it the moment you step into an izakaya (Japanese-style pub), where the staff might shout greetings and ask for your drink order. It is also a common topic of conversation in the workplace, particularly during bonenkai (year-end parties) or shinenkai (New Year parties). In these settings, 'osake' serves as the lubricant for social interaction, and you will hear colleagues asking each other about their favorite types of 'osake' or how much they can drink.

At the Supermarket: Signs will point to the 'Osake-uriba' (Alcohol section). Cashiers will ask for ID to confirm you are over 20.
On Television: Commercials for beer, 'chuhai' (shochu highballs), and whiskey are constant, often featuring the word 'osake' to promote responsible drinking.

「おさけは二十歳になってから。」 (Alcohol is for after you turn twenty.) - A common legal warning.

In traditional festivals (matsuri), you will hear 'osake' mentioned in the context of omiki, the sacred sake offered to the deities. You might see large barrels of sake (komodaru) stacked near shrines. During hanami (cherry blossom viewing), the word is heard everywhere as people gather under the trees with blue tarps and plenty of 'osake' to celebrate spring. Even in more somber settings, like a funeral wake (otsuya), 'osake' is served to honor the deceased, showing its presence throughout the entire cycle of life in Japan.

「今日はおさけを飲みに行きませんか？」 (Why don't we go out for drinks today?)

In addition to physical locations, you'll find 'osake' used metaphorically in literature and pop culture to represent adulthood, freedom, or sometimes the dangers of excess. It is a word that carries both the joy of celebration and the weight of social obligation. Whether it's a 'kanpai' (toast) at a wedding or a quiet drink alone after a long day, 'osake' is the word that defines that moment of relaxation or connection.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is assuming that おさけ (Osake) only refers to Japanese rice wine. If you tell a Japanese friend, 'I don't like osake,' they will assume you are a teetotaler who doesn't drink beer, wine, or any alcohol at all. If you specifically mean you don't like rice wine, you should use the term Nihonshu. Conversely, don't be surprised if you ask for 'sake' in a restaurant and the waiter asks for clarification on what kind of alcohol you want.

Pitch Accent: Be careful with the word 'sake'. 'SA-ke' (high-low) means alcohol, but 'sa-KE' (low-high) can mean 'salmon' in some regions, though usually it's 'shake'. Context usually saves you, but it's good to be aware.
The Honorific Prefix: Using 'sake' without the 'o' can sound quite masculine, rough, or overly casual. For beginners and in polite company, always stick with 'osake'.

❌ さけを飲みます。 (Sounds slightly rough/blunt)
✅ おさけを飲みます。 (Polite and natural)

Another mistake is using 'osake' when referring to alcohol as a chemical substance. If you are talking about hand sanitizer or the alcohol content in a scientific sense, use arukooru (アルコール). Using 'osake' in a medical context might make it sound like you are drinking the rubbing alcohol! Also, be mindful of the verb. You 'drink' (nomu) alcohol, but you don't 'eat' (taberu) it, even if it's in a jelly or food form—though you can say 'osake no haitta kashi' (sweets containing alcohol).

❌ おさけを食べます。 (I eat alcohol - Incorrect)
✅ おさけを飲みます。 (I drink alcohol - Correct)

Finally, avoid the assumption that 'osake' is always a positive thing. While drinking is social, over-drinking is a serious topic. Terms like 'osake-kusai' (smelling of alcohol) or 'osake no torisugi' (overconsumption of alcohol) are common and carry a negative connotation. Being aware of the social boundaries regarding 'osake' is just as important as knowing the word itself.

While おさけ (Osake) is the general term, Japanese has many specific words for different types of alcoholic beverages. Understanding these will make you sound much more fluent and precise. The most frequent alternative is Nihonshu, which specifically refers to the fermented rice wine that the West calls 'sake'. If you are in a bar and want this specific drink, use 'Nihonshu'.

Nihonshu (日本酒): Specific term for Japanese rice wine. Use this when 'osake' is too vague.
Arukooru (アルコール): The loanword for 'alcohol'. Used in technical, medical, or formal policy contexts.
Shurui (酒類): A formal, often written term meaning 'alcoholic beverages' or 'liquors'. Seen on legal documents or store signs.

Other categories include Shochu (a distilled spirit made from sweet potatoes, barley, or rice), Chuhai (a mix of shochu and fruit juice), and Umeshu (plum wine). If you are referring to the act of drinking itself rather than the liquid, you might use the word Inshu (drinking alcohol), which is often seen in the phrase 'Inshu-unten' (drunk driving). For a casual 'drink' with friends, the phrase nomi-kai (drinking party) is much more common than saying 'an osake meeting.'

ビールはおさけの一種です。 (Beer is a type of alcohol.)

When comparing 'osake' to 'nomimono' (drink), 'nomimono' is the broader category that includes water, juice, and tea. Therefore, all 'osake' are 'nomimono', but not all 'nomimono' are 'osake'. If you are hosting a party, you might ask, 'Nomimono wa nani ga ii desu ka?' (What would you like to drink?), and the guest might respond by specifying a type of 'osake'. Knowing when to be broad and when to be specific is the key to mastering Japanese beverage vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In ancient Japan, sake was sometimes made by 'kuchikami' (mouth-chewing), where people chewed rice and spat it into a tub to ferment with saliva enzymes.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɒˈsæ.keɪ/

US /oʊˈsɑː.keɪ/

In Japanese (Heiban), it is low-high-high. O-SA-KE.

Rima com

Take (Japanese name) Kake (To hang) Make (To lose) Sake (Salmon - pitch dependent) Dake (Only) Yake (Desperation) Wake (Reason) Obake (Ghost)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it like 'sakey' (rhyming with 'key').
Stressing the first syllable too hard.
Misinterpreting 'sake' as only rice wine.
Dropping the 'o' in formal situations.
Confusing with 'sake' (salmon) which has a different pitch.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

The kanji 酒 is common but the hiragana is very easy.

Escrita 3/5

The kanji 酒 has several strokes but follows a clear radical pattern.

Expressão oral 1/5

Very easy to pronounce; high frequency makes for lots of practice.

Audição 1/5

Easy to distinguish in conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

飲み物 (Nomimono) 飲む (Nomu) 水 (Mizu) ビール (Biiru) おいしい (Oishii)

Aprenda a seguir

居酒屋 (Izakaya) 乾杯 (Kanpai) 酔う (You) 二日酔い (Futsukayoi) 日本酒 (Nihonshu)

Avançado

醸造 (Jouzou) 蒸留 (Jouryuu) 麹 (Kouji) 酒税 (Shuzei) 禁酒 (Kinshu)

Gramática essencial

Verb Stem + Sugiru (Overdoing)

お酒を飲みすぎました。(I drank too much alcohol.)

Noun + ga suki (Liking something)

私はお酒が好きです。(I like alcohol.)

Noun + ni yowai (Weak against something)

彼はお酒に弱いです。(He has a low alcohol tolerance.)

Te-form + wa ikemasen (Prohibition)

お酒を飲んで運転してはいけません。(You must not drive after drinking.)

Noun + wo kudasai (Ordering)

お酒を一つください。(One alcohol/sake, please.)

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Exemplos por nível

おさけをのみますか。

Do you drink alcohol?

Basic question form with 'ka'.

いいえ、おさけはのみません。

No, I do not drink alcohol.

Negative form of the verb 'nomu'.

おさけ、ひとつください。

One alcohol (sake), please.

Simple ordering using 'kudasai'.

これはおさけですか。

Is this alcohol?

Identifying an object.

おさけはあそこです。

The alcohol is over there.

Indicating location.

おさけがすきです。

I like alcohol.

Using 'ga suki' for preference.

おさけ、おいしいです。

The alcohol (sake) is delicious.

Simple adjective use.

おさけをかいました。

I bought alcohol.

Past tense of 'kau' (to buy).

おさけにあまりつよくないです。

I am not very strong with alcohol (low tolerance).

Using 'ni tsuyoi/yowai' for tolerance.

いっしょにおさけをのみにいきましょう。

Let's go out for a drink together.

Volitional form 'mashou'.

おさけのメニューをみせてください。

Please show me the alcohol menu.

Requesting an object.

きのうはおさけをたくさんのみました。

I drank a lot of alcohol yesterday.

Adverb 'takusan' usage.

おさけをのんだら、うんてんしてはいけません。

You must not drive if you have drunk alcohol.

Conditional 'tara' and prohibition 'te wa ikemasen'.

どちらのおさけがいいですか。

Which alcohol would you like?

Interrogative 'dochira'.

おさけをのむと、かおがあかくなります。

When I drink alcohol, my face turns red.

Natural consequence 'to' particle.

おさけははたちになってからです。

Alcohol is only after you turn twenty.

Stating a rule.

おさけをのみすぎて、きぶんがわるいです。

I drank too much alcohol and feel sick.

Verb stem + sugiru (excess).

にほんのおさけについておしえてください。

Please tell me about Japanese alcohol (sake).

Using 'nitsuite' (about).

おさけをのまないほうがいいですよ。

It's better not to drink alcohol.

Giving advice with 'nai hou ga ii'.

おさけをやめるのはむずかしいです。

Quitting alcohol is difficult.

Nominalizing a verb with 'no'.

おさけをのみながら、はなしましょう。

Let's talk while drinking alcohol.

Simultaneous actions with 'nagara'.

おさけのしゅるいがいっぱいありますね。

There are many types of alcohol, aren't there?

Noun 'shurui' (types).

おさけをのむと、リラックスできます。

When I drink alcohol, I can relax.

Potential form 'dekimasu'.

おさけをのみにいくやくそくをしました。

I made a promise to go out for drinks.

Noun 'yakusoku' (promise).

おさけのしゅぜいがあがるといわれています。

It is said that the liquor tax will increase.

Passive reporting 'to iwarete iru'.

おさけをのむまえに、ウコンをのみます。

I drink turmeric (drink) before drinking alcohol.

Sequence with 'mae ni'.

おさけは、てきりょうをまもることがたいせつです。

It's important to keep to a moderate amount of alcohol.

Noun 'tekiryou' (moderate amount).

おさけをのんであばれるのはよくないです。

It's not good to get rowdy after drinking alcohol.

Verb 'abareru' (to act violently/rowdy).

おさけのせいぞうかていを見学しました。

I observed the manufacturing process of alcohol (sake).

Noun 'seizou katei' (manufacturing process).

おさけがはいっているおかしはありますか。

Are there any sweets that contain alcohol?

Relative clause 'osake ga haitte iru'.

おさけのちしきをふかめたいとおもっています。

I want to deepen my knowledge of alcohol/sake.

Volitional 'omotte iru'.

おさけをのまないひとへの配慮がひつようです。

Consideration for people who don't drink alcohol is necessary.

Noun 'hairyo' (consideration).

おさけは、にほんのぶんかとみっせつにかかわっています。

Alcohol is closely related to Japanese culture.

Adverbial phrase 'missetsu ni' (closely).

おさけをたしなむていどなら、けんこうにいいというせつもあります。

There is a theory that if you enjoy alcohol in moderation, it is good for your health.

Verb 'tashinamu' (to enjoy/partake).

おさけのじょうぞうぎじゅつは、ひびしんかしています。

Alcohol brewing technology is evolving day by day.

Noun 'jouzou gijutsu' (brewing technology).

おさけをのんだあとのしめは、ラーメンがていばんです。

Ramen is the standard 'finishing' meal after drinking alcohol.

Noun 'shime' (the end/finish).

おさけのラベルには、げんざいりょうがめいきされています。

The ingredients are clearly stated on the alcohol label.

Passive 'meiki sarete iru' (clearly stated).

おさけのせかいは、おくがふかいですね。

The world of alcohol/sake is quite profound, isn't it?

Idiom 'oku ga fukai' (profound/deep).

おさけをのみかわすことで、きずながふかまります。

By drinking together, bonds are deepened.

Compound verb 'nomikawasu' (to drink together).

おさけによるトラブルをふせぐためのほうりつがあります。

There are laws to prevent troubles caused by alcohol.

Compound particle 'ni yoru' (caused by).

おさけは、ときにじんせいのくるしみをわすれさせてくれます。

Alcohol sometimes allows one to forget the sufferings of life.

Causative-benefactive 'wasuresasete kureru'.

おさけにまつわるこじせいごは、かずおおくそんざいします。

There are many historical idioms related to alcohol.

Compound particle 'ni matsuwaru' (related to).

おさけのじょうりゅうかていにおける、びみょうなおんどかんりがみそです。

The key is the subtle temperature control in the alcohol distillation process.

Noun 'miso' (key point/secret).

おさけをきんじるきんしゅほうのれきしをけんきゅうしています。

I am researching the history of prohibition laws that banned alcohol.

Noun 'kinshuhou' (Prohibition law).

おさけのこうようとふくさようをれいせいにぶんせきすべきです。

We should calmly analyze the benefits and side effects of alcohol.

Nouns 'kouyou' (benefit) and 'fukusayou' (side effect).

おさけは、かんこんそうさいにおいて、かかせないやくわりをはたします。

Alcohol plays an indispensable role in ceremonial occasions.

Idiom 'yakuwari wo hatasu' (play a role).

おさけのふうみをそんざいさせるには、適切なグラスのせんたくがふかけつです。

To bring out the flavor of the alcohol, selecting the appropriate glass is essential.

Adjective 'fukaketsu' (essential).

おさけをめぐるぎろんは、じだいとともにへんようしてきました。

Discussions surrounding alcohol have transformed with the times.

Compound particle 'wo meguru' (surrounding/concerning).

Colocações comuns

お酒を飲む

お酒に強い

お酒に弱い

お酒を控える

お酒を注ぐ

お酒が入る

お酒を勧める

お酒を断る

お酒の席

お酒を嗜む

Frases Comuns

お酒は二十歳から

— Alcohol is for those 20 and older. The legal age warning.

お酒は二十歳になってから楽しみましょう。

お酒が進む

— The alcohol goes down easily (often because the food is good).

この料理はお酒が進みますね。

お酒を酌み交わす

— To drink together/share a drink.

旧友とお酒を酌み交わす。

お酒に飲まれる

— To be overwhelmed by alcohol (lose control).

お酒を飲んでも、お酒に飲まれるな。

お酒の勢い

— Under the influence/liquid courage.

お酒の勢いで告白した。

お酒の肴

— Snacks to go with alcohol.

美味しいお酒の肴を作る。

お酒が抜ける

— To sober up (alcohol leaving the system).

お酒が抜けるまで待つ。

お酒を嗜む程度

— To drink only a little/moderately.

お酒は嗜む程度です。

お酒に酔う

— To get drunk.

少しのお酒で酔ってしまった。

お酒の付き合い

— Social drinking for the sake of relationships.

お酒の付き合いも仕事のうちだ。

Frequentemente confundido com

おさけ vs 鮭 (Sake)

Means 'salmon'. Distinguished by pitch accent and kanji.

おさけ vs 避ける (Sakeru)

Means 'to avoid'. Sounds similar but is a verb.

おさけ vs 酒 (Shu)

The Chinese reading (On-yomi), used in compound words like 'Nihonshu'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"酒は百薬の長"

— Sake is the best of all medicines (if taken in moderation).

酒は百薬の長というが、飲み過ぎは禁物だ。

Proverb

"酒に別腸あり"

— There is a separate stomach for alcohol (one can always drink more).

お腹いっぱいだが、酒に別腸ありだ。

Old Saying

"酒は本心を現す"

— Alcohol reveals one's true heart (In vino veritas).

お酒を飲むと、酒は本心を現すという通り、彼は本音を語り始めた。

Proverb

"酒が入れば知恵が回る"

— When alcohol enters, wisdom turns (liquid courage/creativity).

酒が入れば知恵が回るタイプの人もいる。

Casual

"酒を売る"

— To sell alcohol (can also mean to flirt in some contexts).

彼は街で酒を売って生計を立てている。

Literal

"酒に溺れる"

— To drown in alcohol (alcoholism).

彼は悲しみのあまり酒に溺れてしまった。

Metaphorical

"酒の肴にする"

— To make something the subject of conversation while drinking.

人の失敗を酒の肴にするのは良くない。

Common

"酒を食らう"

— To drink alcohol heavily (rough expression).

豪快に酒を食らう男たち。

Rough

"酒は憂いの玉箒"

— Sake is a jeweled broom for sweeping away worries.

今夜はお酒で悩みを忘れよう。酒は憂いの玉箒だ。

Literary

"酒盛り"

— A drinking bout or merrymaking.

夜通し酒盛りが続いた。

Traditional

Fácil de confundir

おさけ vs 日本酒

Westerners call this 'sake'.

'Osake' is all alcohol; 'Nihonshu' is specifically rice wine.

日本酒を注文しました。

おさけ vs アルコール

Both mean alcohol.

'Arukooru' is chemical/medical; 'Osake' is the beverage.

アルコール消毒をします。

おさけ vs 飲み物

Both refer to things you drink.

'Nomimono' includes tea and water; 'Osake' is only alcoholic.

飲み物は何にしますか？

おさけ vs 焼酎

Both are Japanese alcohol.

'Shochu' is distilled; 'Nihonshu' (often called sake) is fermented.

焼酎をロックで飲む。

おさけ vs お神酒

Both are alcohol.

'Omiki' is specifically for Shinto rituals.

神社でお神酒をいただく。

Padrões de frases

[Person] wa osake wo nomimasu.

私はお酒を飲みます。

Osake ga suki desu ka?

お酒が好きですか？

Osake wo nomi ni ikimasen ka?

お酒を飲みに行きませんか？

Osake ni tsuyoi hito wa urayamashii.

お酒に強い人はうらやましい。

Osake no tashinami-kata wo shitte iru.

お酒の嗜み方を知っている。

Osake wa jinsei no junkatsuyu da.

お酒は人生の潤滑油だ。

Osake wo kudasai.

お酒をください。

Osake ni yowai desu.

お酒に弱いです。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

酒屋 (Sakaya - Liquor store)

居酒屋 (Izakaya - Pub)

酒場 (Sakaba - Bar)

酒造 (Shuzo - Brewing)

Verbos

飲酒する (Inshu suru - To drink alcohol)

Adjetivos

酒臭い (Sake-kusai - Smelling of alcohol)

Relacionado

酔っ払い (Yopparai - Drunkard)

二日酔い (Futsukayoi - Hangover)

乾杯 (Kanpai - Toast)

徳利 (Tokkuri - Sake carafe)

お猪口 (O-choko - Sake cup)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Extremely High - Used daily in social and culinary contexts.

Erros comuns

Thinking 'osake' only means rice wine. → Using 'Nihonshu' for rice wine and 'osake' for alcohol in general.
This is the most common error for English speakers due to the English word 'sake'.
Using 'sake' without the 'o' in a restaurant. → Saying 'osake' to the waiter.
Dropping the 'o' can sound overly casual or even rude to staff.
Saying 'osake wo taberu'. → Saying 'osake wo nomu'.
Even if alcohol is in a food item, the verb for consuming the liquid is always 'nomu'.
Confusing 'sake' (alcohol) with 'sake' (salmon). → Paying attention to context and pitch.
While 'shake' is common for salmon, 'sake' is also used, leading to potential confusion.
Using 'osake' for hand sanitizer. → Using 'arukooru' (アルコール).
'Osake' refers only to beverages. For chemical alcohol, use the loanword.

Dicas

The Pouring Rule

Always pour for your companions. If you see their glass is less than half full, offer to refill it. This is a key part of Japanese hospitality.

Politeness Matters

Using 'osake' instead of 'sake' instantly makes your Japanese sound more sophisticated and respectful.

Be Specific

At an izakaya, start with 'Toriaezu biiru' (Beer for now) before moving on to other 'osake'.

Ukon Power

In Japan, many people drink 'Ukon' (turmeric) drinks before 'osake' to prevent hangovers. You can find them in convenience stores.

Nomunication

Don't feel pressured to drink if you don't want to. 'Osake wa kekkou desu' is a perfectly valid and respected response.

Particle Choice

Use 'wo' for the action of drinking and 'ga' for describing your liking or tolerance.

Pitch Check

Keep the 'sa' and 'ke' relatively level. Avoid the English tendency to put a heavy stress on the first syllable.

Kanji Recognition

Learn to recognize 酒. It's one of the most useful kanji to know when walking around a Japanese city at night.

Receiving a Drink

When someone pours 'osake' for you, hold your cup with both hands as a sign of respect.

ID Check

Even if you look much older than 20, some stores might ask you to touch a screen confirming you are of legal age.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine an **O**range **SA**ke **KE**ttle. The 'O' is the round kettle handle.

Associação visual

Visualize a small white ceramic cup (o-choko) with a blue circle at the bottom, overflowing with 'osake'.

Word Web

Nihonshu Beer Wine Izakaya Kanpai Nomikai Drunk Bar

Desafio

Go to a Japanese restaurant and order 'Osake' (or Nihonshu) politely using 'kudasai'.

Origem da palavra

The word 'sake' is ancient. It appears in the Kojiki (712 AD), Japan's oldest record. The 'o' was added later as an honorific.

Significado original: Likely derived from 'sakae' (prosperity) or 'ki' (spirit/energy).

Japonic / Old Japanese.

Contexto cultural

Be aware that many people in Japan do not drink for health or religious reasons. Always offer a non-alcoholic 'nomimono' (drink) as an alternative.

Westerners often say 'sake' for rice wine, but in Japan, 'sake' is the category. If you ask for 'sake' in London, you get rice wine. If you ask for 'sake' in Tokyo, they'll ask 'Which one?'

The film 'Your Name' (Kimi no Na wa) features 'kuchikamizake'. The 'Sake-daru' barrels at Meiji Jingu shrine. Japanese proverbs like 'Sake wa hyakuyaku no chou'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At an Izakaya

とりあえずビールでおねがいします。
お酒のメニューありますか？
おすすめのお酒は？
お酒、おかわりください。

At a Business Dinner

お酒を注がせてください。
お酒は結構です。
お酒にお強いですね。
お酒を酌み交わしましょう。

At a Supermarket

お酒売り場はどこですか？
お酒の年齢確認をお願いします。
このお酒は甘口ですか？
お酒のギフトセットを探しています。

Discussing Health

お酒を控えています。
お酒を飲むと頭が痛くなります。
お酒は適量がいいです。
最近お酒を辞めました。

New Year/Festivals

お正月に家族でお酒を飲みます。
お神酒をいただきました。
お酒でお祝いしましょう。
鏡開きでお酒を振る舞う。

Iniciadores de conversa

"お酒はよく飲みますか？ (Do you drink alcohol often?)"

"どんな種類のお酒が好きですか？ (What kind of alcohol do you like?)"

"お酒に強い方ですか？ (Are you a strong drinker?)"

"おすすめのお酒はありますか？ (Do you have any recommended alcohol/sake?)"

"お酒を飲みながら話すのは好きですか？ (Do you like talking while drinking?)"

Temas para diário

昨日飲んだお酒について書いてください。 (Write about the alcohol you drank yesterday.)

あなたのお気に入りのお酒は何ですか？なぜですか？ (What is your favorite alcohol? Why?)

日本の「飲み会」文化についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japanese 'nomikai' culture?)

お酒を飲むとき、どんな食べ物を一緒に食べますか？ (When you drink, what kind of food do you eat with it?)

お酒を飲みすぎた時の失敗談はありますか？ (Do you have a story about a mistake you made while drinking too much?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, in Japan, 'osake' is a general term for all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and whiskey. To specify rice wine, use the term 'Nihonshu'.

The 'o' is an honorific prefix (bikago) that makes the word more polite and refined. It is the standard way to refer to alcohol in polite conversation.

It's not exactly rude, but it can sound blunt, masculine, or very casual. Using 'osake' is much safer for learners and in most social situations.

The legal age to consume 'osake' in Japan is 20 years old. You will often see signs saying 'Osake wa hatachi ni natte kara'.

You should ask for 'Nihonshu'. If you just say 'osake', they might ask you to clarify which type of drink you want from the menu.

It means you have a high alcohol tolerance (literally 'strong against alcohol'). The opposite is 'osake ni yowai'.

Both! Nihonshu can be served 'atsukan' (hot), 'nurukan' (warm), or 'reishu' (cold), depending on the type and the season.

In formal or group settings, it is considered polite to wait for someone else to pour for you and for you to pour for them. Pouring for yourself is called 'te-jaku' and is usually only done when drinking alone.

Amazake is a sweet, low-alcohol or non-alcoholic rice drink. While it has 'sake' in the name, it's often enjoyed by people of all ages, including children.

Yes, 'ryourishu' (cooking sake) is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine to add depth and remove strong odors from meat and fish.

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