Translation guide
In Japanese, white wine is most commonly referred to as 白ワイン (shirowain). There is also a traditional Japanese term 白酒 (shirozake), but this refers to a different drink (a sweet, unfiltered sake) and should not be used for grape wine. This guide focuses on the standard term and related expressions.
Referring to white wine made from grapes, the standard alcoholic beverage.
The standard, most common term for white wine. Used in all contexts, from casual to formal.
白ワインをください。
I'll have a white wine, please.
この白ワインはフランス産です。
This white wine is from France.
Literally 'white grape wine'. Less common than 白ワイン, but sometimes used in formal or written contexts to be explicit.
白ぶどう酒の製造工程について説明します。
I will explain the production process of white wine.
Specifying a particular variety or style of white wine.
Dry white wine. 辛口 means 'dry' (not sweet).
辛口の白ワインが好きです。
I like dry white wine.
Sweet white wine. 甘口 means 'sweet'.
デザートには甘口の白ワインが合います。
Sweet white wine goes well with dessert.
Sparkling white wine. Often just called スパークリングワイン.
お祝いにはスパークリング白ワインを開けましょう。
Let's open a sparkling white wine for the celebration.
Phrases for ordering white wine in a restaurant or buying it at a store.
Please give me a bottle of white wine. Use 一本 for one bottle.
この白ワインを一本ください。
I'll take a bottle of this white wine.
A glass of white wine, please. グラスで means 'by the glass'.
グラスで白ワインをもらえますか？
Can I get a glass of white wine?
白酒 (しろざけ) is a traditional Japanese sweet, unfiltered sake, not grape wine. Using it to mean 'white wine' will cause confusion. Always use 白ワイン for grape wine.