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.
On a hot day, I want to drink a cold cider.
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'.
Have you ever tried French cider?
A descriptive phrase meaning 'apple alcohol'. Useful when the listener might not know 'シードル'.
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.
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.
Warmed apple juice with cinnamon is delicious.
Means 'unfiltered apple juice'. Use this if you need to specify the cloudy, unprocessed type.
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.
Excuse me, can I have a cider? (You will get a soft drink.)
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.
Ramune is similar to cider.
You can enjoy various ciders at this pub.
This is an apple alcohol called cider.
Unfiltered apple juice has pulp and is rich.