Alcohol, a widely consumed beverage, holds great cultural significance throughout the world. While it is referred to as “alcohol” in English, it’s always interesting to learn how this term is expressed in other languages. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “alcohol” in various languages, covering both formal and informal ways of expression.
Table of Contents
Spanish:
Formal: alcohol
Informal: trago (literally meaning “drink”)
French:
Formal: alcool
Informal: picole or boisson (the latter referring to “beverage”)
Italian:
Formal: alcol
Informal: ginocchiona or birra (the latter specifically refers to beer)
German:
Formal: Alkohol
Informal: Schnaps, Fusel, Gerstenblut (these words refer to strong alcoholic drinks)
Portuguese:
Formal: álcool
Informal: pinga, birita or caninha (used for expressing a small amount of alcohol)
Dutch:
Formal: alcohol
Informal: borrel (referring to a small alcoholic drink) or drank (generally meaning “drink”)
Russian:
Formal: алкоголь (alkogol)
Informal: водка (vodka) or пиво (pivo, specifically meaning beer)
Japanese:
Formal: アルコール (arukōru)
Informal: お酒 (osake) or 酒 (sake)
Mandarin Chinese:
Formal: 酒精 (jiǔjīng)
Informal: 酒 (jiǔ) or 烈酒 (lièjiǔ, specifically referring to strong spirits)
Tip: When visiting a foreign country, it’s always helpful to familiarize yourself with the local terms for alcohol. It can enhance your cultural experience and facilitate interactions with locals.
Conclusion
Alcohol is known by various names in different languages, reflecting the unique cultural contexts in each region. Whether you’re attending an international event or simply having a casual conversation, knowing how to say “alcohol” in the local language can be both a useful and respectful gesture. Remember to use the formal or informal terms appropriately, based on the context and relationship with the person you are conversing with.
Tip: Language nuances may vary within regions and among native speakers. Always be open to learning and adapting to ensure effective communication.
So, go ahead and expand your linguistic repertoire with these alcohol-related terms. Cheers! Or as they say, “Prost!”
