Translation guide
The English verb 'pour' covers several distinct actions: causing a liquid to flow from a container, serving drinks, heavy rain, and a crowd moving in large numbers. Japanese uses different verbs for each, and the choice depends on what is being poured, how, and the context.
To cause a liquid to flow out of a container, typically by tilting it.
General verb for pouring a liquid into something. Can be used for pouring drinks, water, etc.
I poured water into a glass.
He poured wine into my glass.
Often used for pouring drinks for someone, especially in social settings. Implies serving.
Shall I pour you some tea?
To pour into, emphasizing the action of putting liquid into a container. More specific than 注ぐ.
Please pour the milk into the bowl.
To pour liquid out of a container, often to empty it or discard the contents.
To empty a container by pouring out its contents. Commonly used for bottles, cans, etc.
I emptied the bottle and poured the contents down the sink.
To pour something down/into, often with force or in a stream. Used for pouring into a drain, sink, etc.
To rain very heavily.
Literally 'rain falls violently'. A natural way to describe heavy rain.
It's pouring outside.
A common colloquial expression meaning 'it's pouring' or 'it's a downpour'.
Literally 'heavy rain falls'. A straightforward, neutral expression.
It poured last night.
To move in a large group, like a crowd pouring out of a stadium.
To pour non-liquid substances like sand, sugar, or rice.
注ぐ (そそぐ) is a general verb for pouring liquids. つぐ is specifically for pouring drinks for someone, often in a serving context. Using つぐ implies hospitality.
My mother poured me some tea.
Although 注ぐ can mean 'to pour', it is not used for rain. Use expressions like 雨が激しく降る or 土砂降りだ instead.
I poured the leftover soup down the sink.
It's pouring today, so I don't want to go out.
カップに砂糖を入れてください。
Please pour the sugar into the cup.