酒
sake · alcohol
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of water and wine vessel. Water of wine vessel.
Symbolism
Japanese sake, banquet, celebration. Represents alcohol.
Seasonal
Many seasonal events enjoy sake: cherry blossom viewing (spring), moon viewing (autumn), snow viewing (winter). New sake is a winter tradition.
Component Breakdown
left-right: water + 酉
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
酒池肉林
しゅちにくりん
sumptuous feast; debauch
紅灯緑酒
こうとうりょくしゅ
(nights of) fun, food, and drink; bright-light district; nightlife district
美酒佳肴
びしゅかこう
fine wines and prized delicacies
Proverbs & Idioms
酒は百薬の長
さけはひゃくやくのちょう
Sake is the best of all medicines
Alcohol in moderation is good for health
Anime & Manga
もやしもん
Moyashimon
Depicts fermentation (sake brewing) at an agricultural university. Protagonist can see microbes.
お酒は夫婦になってから
Love is Like a Cocktail
A well-known work with 酒 in its Japanese title.
Games
龍が如く
Yakuza(2005)
Developer: Sega
Adult entertainment including minigames drinking 'sake' at hostess clubs.
View on Amazon →Related Figures & Stories
酒井抱一
Name contains 酒
Sakai Hōitsu was a Japanese painter of the Rinpa school.
WikipediaOther kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 酒 mean in Japanese?
酒 means sake, alcohol.
How do you read 酒?
On'yomi: シュ (SHU). Kun'yomi: さけ、さか- (sake, saka).
How many strokes does 酒 have?
酒 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 酉 (wine).
Is 酒 a good kanji for a tattoo?
酒 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means sake, alcohol. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.