Translation guide
The English word "sot" refers to a habitual drunkard or someone who is frequently intoxicated. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for describing such a person, from common terms to slang and literary words.
Describing a person who is often drunk or an alcoholic
A common, somewhat colloquial term for a drunkard or heavy drinker. It implies habitual drunkenness and can be used in everyday conversation.
彼は飲んだくれで、毎晩遅くまでバーにいる。
He's a sot who stays at the bar until late every night.
Literally 'big drinker', this is a neutral to slightly negative term for someone who drinks a lot of alcohol. It can refer to a heavy drinker without necessarily implying constant drunkenness.
Abbreviation of アルコール中毒 (alcoholism). This is a blunt, colloquial term for an alcoholic. It can be derogatory, so use with caution.
Can be offensive; avoid in polite conversation.
A general term for a drunk person. While it can mean someone who is currently drunk, it is also used to label a person who is often drunk. Less specific than 'sot' but very common.
Refers to a person who becomes violent or troublesome when drunk. It implies a bad drunk rather than just a heavy drinker.
There is no single exact Japanese equivalent for the archaic English word 'sot'. The above terms cover the modern concept of a habitual drunkard. Avoid using obscure dictionary translations like 酔漢 (すいかん) which are literary and rarely used in daily speech.
うちの祖父は大酒飲みだったけど、陽気な人だった。
My grandfather was a sot, but he was a cheerful person.
That guy is a total sot.
駅前に酔っ払いが寝てた。
There was a sot sleeping in front of the station.
He's a mean sot, so I don't want to drink with him.