음주
eumju
In Korean, "drinking" (the act or session of consuming drink) is 음주 (eumju).
음주 refers to the act or session of consuming drinks. While the standard Korean verb for "to drink" is 마시다, the formal verb 음주하다 is used specifically to mean "drinking alcohol."
Meaning: act or session by which drink is consumed (noun)
Which one should you use?
음주 is typically used in formal contexts, such as medical or legal terms (for example, 음주 운전, which means drunk driving), rather than in casual social descriptions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
음주 is a formal or technical term. In everyday conversation, a more common and natural way to refer to the act of drinking is 술 마시기. In casual speech, people also often substitute the noun for the act of drinking with the word 술 (alcohol) to imply the activity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, especially in North Korea, the verb 먹다 is used instead of 마시다 to mean "to drink."
How do you pronounce it?
eumju
When do people say it?
The word for "Cheers" in Korean is 건배.
Did you know?
- During sessions of 음주, it is a traditional sign of respect for a junior to turn their head away from their elder when taking a sip.
- In Korean culture, the act of 음주 is often categorized by the 'round' system, where groups move from one venue to another for '1차' (first round) and '2차' (second round).
- In Korea, the act of 음주 is often paired with 안주, which refers to food specifically eaten to balance the alcohol and protect the stomach.
Examples in context
- 당신은 음주를 그만둬야 한다.You have to stop drinking.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity of stopping the act of 음주.Tatoeba #11106302 by intertime, translation #1079088 by keira_n
- 알코올이 몸을 손상시킨다는 사실에도 불구하고, 많은 사람들은 여전히 음주를 즐겨한다.In spite of the fact that drinking alcohol damages their bodies, many people still like to drink it.This sentence is useful for noting how many people still enjoy 음주 despite health risks.Tatoeba #8453548 by Eunhee, translation #7837702 by sharris123
- 저는 술을 마십니다.I drink alcohol.
- 음주운전은 불법입니다.Drunk driving is illegal.
- 술 좋아해?Do you like drinking alcohol?
- 과도한 음주는 건강에 해로워요.gwadohan eumjuneun geon-ange haerowoyo.Excessive drinking is harmful to your health.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking about their health habits.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨는 평소에 음주를 자주 하시나요?Jihun ssineun pyeongsoe eumjureul jaju hasinayo?Jihun, do you drink often usually?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 저는 거의 안 해요.aniyo, jeoneun geoui an haeyo.No, I hardly ever do.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 좋네요. 저도 음주를 줄이려고 노력 중이에요.jeongmal jonneyo. jeodo eumjureul julliryeogo noryeok jungieyo.That's great. I'm also trying to reduce my drinking.
- 지훈 Ji-hun함께 노력해 봐요, 수빈 씨.hamkke noryeokhae bwayo, Subin ssi.Let's try together, Subin.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
