Translation guide
The English word "sober" has two main meanings: not drunk, and serious/calm. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing a state of not being under the influence of alcohol, or returning to that state.
The most common and natural word for 'sober' (not drunk). Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼はしらふだ。
He is sober.
しらふの時に話しましょう。
Let's talk when you're sober.
Literally 'the alcohol leaves', meaning to sober up. Used for the process of becoming sober.
酒が抜けるまで待って。
Wait until you sober up.
Literally 'drunkenness wakes up', meaning to sober up. Slightly more formal than 酒が抜ける.
酔いが覚めたら運転してください。
Please drive once you've sobered up.
Same reading as しらふ but written with kanji. More literary or formal. Rarely used in everyday writing.
Describing a person, attitude, or atmosphere that is serious, solemn, or not playful.
Means serious, earnest, or sober-minded. Often used for a person's character or attitude.
しらふ only means 'not drunk'. It cannot be used to describe a serious personality or atmosphere. Use 真面目 or 落ち着いた instead.
Both mean 'to sober up'. 酒が抜ける is more casual and focuses on alcohol leaving the body. 酔いが覚める is slightly more formal and focuses on the state of drunkenness ending. In most situations, they are interchangeable.
運転する前に酔いを覚まさなければならない。
I need to sober up before driving.
Uses 酔いを覚ます (transitive) meaning 'to sober oneself up'.
彼は状況を冷静に評価した。
He gave a sober assessment of the situation.
Here 'sober' means calm and rational, so 冷静 (calm, cool-headed) is used.
He showed up sober.
彼は真面目な人だ。
He is a sober-minded person.
真面目な話をしよう。
Let's have a serious talk.
Means calm, composed, or sober in demeanor. Describes a person or atmosphere that is not excitable.
落ち着いた色の服を着ている。
She is wearing clothes in sober colors.
彼はいつも落ち着いている。
He is always sober and composed.
Means plain, subdued, or sober (in appearance). Often used for clothes, colors, or style.
そのスーツは地味ですね。
That suit is quite sober, isn't it?