1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “酒” (sake) refers to alcoholic beverages, particularly those made from fermented rice. In Japan, it is commonly associated with traditional rice wine, but it can also encompass a variety of alcoholic drinks.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “酒” is a phono-semantic compound, which means it combines both a phonetic and a semantic component. The left part, “氵” (water radical), indicates that it is a liquid, while the right part, “酉,” relates to alcohol or fermentation.
The radical for “酒” is “氵,” which signifies water, highlighting the liquid nature of the substance.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “酒” are:
- 日本酒 (nihonshu) – Japanese sake
- お酒 (osake) – alcohol or sake in a general sense
- 酒屋 (sakaya) – liquor store
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 今夜は友達とお酒を飲みに行きます。(Kon’ya wa tomodachi to osake o nomi ni ikimasu.) – I’m going out for drinks with my friends tonight.
- この日本酒はとても美味しいです。(Kono nihonshu wa totemo oishii desu.) – This sake is very delicious.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- ビール (biiru) – beer, which is a different type of alcoholic beverage made from barley.
- ワイン (wain) – wine, which is made from fermented grapes.
Antonyms or contrasting terms include:
- 水 (mizu) – water, which is the non-alcoholic counterpart to “酒.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “酒” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where sake plays a significant role in rituals, celebrations, and social gatherings. It is often used in ceremonies such as weddings and festivals.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “酒” include:
- 酒は百薬の長 (sake wa hyakuyaku no chou) – “Sake is the best of all medicines,” suggesting that moderate consumption can be beneficial.
- 酒を飲むと人が変わる (sake o nomu to hito ga kawaru) – “People change when they drink,” indicating how alcohol can alter behavior.