Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'liquor' depends on context. The most general term is お酒 (osake), which covers alcohol in general, including sake, beer, wine, and spirits. For specifically distilled spirits, use 蒸留酒 (jōryūshu) or loanwords like リキュール (rikyūru) for liqueurs. In legal or formal contexts, 酒類 (shurui) is used.
The speaker wants to refer to alcoholic beverages in general, in everyday conversation.
Polite and common word for alcohol in general. Can refer to sake, beer, wine, or any alcoholic drink. Adding お makes it polite; without it (酒) is more casual or masculine.
Do you drink alcohol?
I'm not very good with alcohol.
Casual or masculine term for alcohol. Often used among friends or in informal settings. Can sound blunt if used in polite contexts.
Loanword from English 'alcohol'. Often used in contexts like 'alcohol content' or 'alcoholic beverages' in a slightly more technical or health-related sense.
The speaker specifically means distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, gin, etc., as opposed to beer or wine.
The speaker means a sweet, flavored alcoholic drink like Baileys, Cointreau, etc.
The speaker is referring to liquor in a legal, business, or official context (e.g., liquor license, liquor tax).
Formal term for alcoholic beverages as a category. Used in laws, regulations, and official documents.
In English, 'sake' refers specifically to Japanese rice wine. In Japanese, 酒 (さけ) can mean alcohol in general, not just sake. To specify Japanese rice wine, say 日本酒 (にほんしゅ).
Use お酒 (おさけ) in most polite or neutral situations. 酒 (さけ) without お is casual and can sound rough or masculine. Women and in formal settings prefer お酒.
I don't drink liquor.
Wanna go grab a drink?
The alcohol content is high.
Technical term for distilled spirits. Used in formal or written contexts, such as on labels or in articles.
Whiskey is a type of distilled liquor.
Loanword from English 'spirits'. Commonly used in bars or when talking about specific types of hard liquor.
His collection of spirits is amazing.
Loanword from English 'hard liquor'. Less common than スピリッツ, but understood.
I'm not good with hard liquor.
Standard loanword for liqueur. Used in bars, recipes, and stores.
This cocktail contains liqueur.
A liquor sales license is required.
This store sells liquor.
Formal/legal context