Translation guide
In Japanese, 'cider' (サイダー) refers to a sweet, carbonated soft drink, not the alcoholic apple cider common in English-speaking countries. This guide clarifies the difference and provides ways to express both meanings.
The most common meaning of 'cider' in Japanese: a non-alcoholic, sweet, fizzy drink, often clear and lemon-lime flavored.
I'll have a cider, please. · Kids love drinking cider at festivals.
The standard Japanese word for a sweet, carbonated soft drink. It is non-alcoholic and typically clear. Brands like Mitsuya Cider are popular.
暑い日には冷たいサイダーが飲みたい。
On a hot day, I want to drink a cold cider.
このサイダーはレモン味です。
This cider is lemon-flavored.
The alcoholic fermented apple drink known as 'cider' in English-speaking countries.
I prefer dry cider over sweet. · Cider is made from fermented apple juice.
The standard Japanese word for alcoholic apple cider. It is a loanword from French 'cidre'.
フランス産のシードルを飲んだことがありますか？
Have you ever tried French cider?
このパブではいろいろなシードルが楽しめる。
You can enjoy various ciders at this pub.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'apple alcohol'. Useful when the listener might not know 'シードル'.
これはリンゴのお酒で、シードルと呼ばれています。
This is an apple alcohol called cider.
A direct loan from English 'apple cider'. It is understood but less common than 'シードル'. May still be confused with the soft drink.
Even with 'アップル', some Japanese people might still think of the soft drink. Clarify if necessary.
アップルサイダーはアルコールが入っていますか？
Does apple cider contain alcohol?
The unfiltered, non-alcoholic apple juice often called 'apple cider' in North America.
We went apple picking and bought fresh cider. · Hot mulled cider is perfect for autumn.
Simply 'apple juice'. In Japan, unfiltered apple juice is not commonly distinguished, so this is the safest term.
温めたりんごジュースにシナモンを入れると美味しい。
Warmed apple juice with cinnamon is delicious.
Means 'unfiltered apple juice'. Use this if you need to specify the cloudy, unprocessed type.
無濾過のりんごジュースは果肉が入っていて濃厚です。
Unfiltered apple juice has pulp and is rich.
In Japan, 'サイダー' always means a sweet, non-alcoholic soft drink. If you order 'サイダー' expecting an alcoholic drink, you will be surprised. Use 'シードル' for alcoholic cider.
すみません、サイダーをください。
Excuse me, can I have a cider? (You will get a soft drink.)
すみません、シードルはありますか？
Excuse me, do you have cider? (Alcoholic.)
'サイダー' is a type of 'ソーダ' (soda). 'サイダー' is typically clear and sweet, while 'ソーダ' can refer to any carbonated drink, including cola or flavored sodas. 'サイダー' is often associated with a nostalgic, old-fashioned image.
ラムネはサイダーに似ている。
Ramune is similar to cider.