Translation guide
Expressing a liking or fondness for alcohol in Japanese, from casual enjoyment to heavy drinking.
To say someone likes alcohol or drinking in general.
The most natural and common way to say someone likes alcohol. 'お酒' is a polite and common term for alcohol.
私はお酒が好きです。
I like alcohol.
He likes alcohol and drinks every night.
Emphasizes a strong liking for alcohol. '大好き' means 'love' or 'like very much'.
お酒が大好きで、週末はいつも飲んでいます。
I love alcohol and always drink on weekends.
A noun meaning 'alcohol lover' or 'person who likes alcohol'. Can be used to describe someone.
彼は酒好きだ。
He is a drinker / He likes alcohol.
To express that someone appreciates the flavor of alcoholic beverages.
Specifically states that you like the taste of alcohol.
お酒の味が好きで、特に日本酒が好きです。
I like the taste of alcohol, especially sake.
Means 'alcohol is delicious'. Implies fondness through enjoyment of taste.
このお酒は美味しいですね。
This alcohol is delicious, isn't it?
To describe someone who drinks regularly or as a pastime.
Focuses on the act of drinking alcohol as an enjoyable activity.
お酒を飲むのが好きで、よくバーに行きます。
I like drinking alcohol and often go to bars.
A colloquial term for a heavy drinker or someone who loves to drink. Slightly old-fashioned or humorous.
うちの父は飲んべえで、毎日晩酌を欠かさない。
My father is a drinker and never misses his evening drink.
To indicate a very strong attachment to alcohol, possibly problematic.
Medical term for alcohol dependence. Not for casual use.
彼はアルコール依存症の治療を受けている。
He is receiving treatment for alcohol dependence.
Literally 'soaked in alcohol', meaning someone who is constantly drinking. Negative connotation.
The English phrase 'fondness for alcohol' is not directly translated as a single noun phrase in natural Japanese. Instead, use phrases like お酒が好き or 酒好き to express the idea.
Using お酒 (osake) instead of 酒 (sake) is more polite and common in everyday conversation. 酒 alone can sound rough or masculine.
酒浸りの生活を送っている。
He leads a life soaked in alcohol.