Translation guide
How to say 'drunk' in Japanese, from tipsy to wasted, including formal and slang expressions.
To describe being under the influence of alcohol, from slightly tipsy to very drunk.
The most common and neutral word for a drunk person. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼は酔っ払いだ。
He is drunk.
酔っ払いが道で寝ている。
A drunk person is sleeping on the street.
Verb phrase meaning 'to be drunk'. More descriptive and commonly used in conversation.
ちょっと酔っている。
I'm a little drunk.
彼はかなり酔っている。
He is quite drunk.
Verb meaning 'to get drunk'. Use in present/future tense to describe the process.
すぐ酔う。
I get drunk easily.
To emphasize heavy intoxication, often in casual or slang contexts.
Literally 'mud drunk'. Formal term for being dead drunk, often used in news or writing.
泥酔して記憶をなくした。
I got dead drunk and blacked out.
Slang for being very drunk, often implying slurred speech or staggering. Onomatopoeic.
Slang for being extremely drunk, to the point of being unable to function.
To describe a mild state of intoxication, often with a positive or lighthearted nuance.
A pleasant, slightly tipsy feeling. Often used in a positive sense.
ほろ酔いでいい気分だ。
I'm tipsy and feeling good.
Simple phrase meaning 'a little drunk'. Casual and common.
ちょっと酔っただけだよ。
I'm just a little tipsy.
To refer to the act of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The standard term for drunk driving. Often used in legal and news contexts.
飲酒運転は犯罪です。
Drunk driving is a crime.
Calling someone 酔っ払い (drunkard) can be rude. It's safer to say 酔っている (is drunk) or use a milder expression.
ちょっと酔ってますね。
You're a little drunk, aren't you?
昨日はベロベロに酔った。
I got totally wasted yesterday.
彼はぐでんぐでんだ。
He's completely wasted.