Translation guide
How to express 'sipping' a drink in Japanese, covering the action, sound, and related expressions.
To drink a liquid slowly, taking small amounts into the mouth at a time.
The most direct verb for sipping, especially for hot liquids like tea or soup. It often implies making a slurping sound, which is culturally acceptable in Japan.
I sip tea.
He sipped his miso soup.
Literally 'drink little by little'. A clear, neutral way to describe sipping without the slurping nuance.
It's hot, so please sip it slowly.
Colloquial onomatopoeic phrase meaning to sip or nurse a drink, often used for alcohol. Implies taking very small sips over a long period.
He was sipping his beer slowly.
To take one small mouthful of a drink, often to taste or test it.
The sound made when sipping, especially noodles or soup.
Onomatopoeia for slurping noodles or soup. Often used in manga or casual speech.
He slurped his ramen with a 'zuzuzu' sound.
Onomatopoeia for a quieter sipping sound, like sipping through a straw.
I sipped the juice through a straw with a 'chuu' sound.
すする implies a slurping sound and is natural for hot liquids or noodles. 少しずつ飲む is a more neutral description of drinking slowly in small amounts, without the sound nuance. Use すする when the sound is part of the action, and 少しずつ飲む when you just want to describe the manner of drinking.
Some people think slurping loudly is bad manners.
The cat is lapping up the milk little by little.
In Japan, slurping noodles or soup (すする) is generally acceptable and even considered a sign of enjoyment. However, in formal settings or with certain people, it might be seen as impolite. When in doubt, observe others.
I took a sip of the ramen broth.