Learning how to express the word “drunk” in Japanese is useful for anyone interested in Japanese culture or planning to visit Japan. In this guide, we will cover formal and informal ways to say “drunk” and provide tips, examples, and even a hint of regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in and explore the different ways to express this common state of intoxication!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Drunk” in Japanese
If you want to express being drunk formally in Japanese, you can use the following words:
- Yoi (酔い): This is the most common and neutral term for being drunk. It simply means intoxicated or tipsy. It can be used in various situations and is suitable for talking about yourself or someone else. For example, “Kanojo wa yoi desu” means “She is drunk.”
- Chōshō (酔っ払い): This word specifically refers to a drunkard or someone who frequently gets drunk. It can be used in formal contexts, but it carries a slightly negative connotation compared to “yoi.”
- Kenka (酔っ払い): Although this term primarily means “drunkard” or “drunk person,” it is more derogatory and should be used with caution since it can offend someone.
- Yopparai (酔っ払い): This word is similar to “chōshō” and often used colloquially to refer to a drunk person. It is slightly informal but still appropriate in certain settings.
Informal Ways to Say “Drunk” in Japanese
When it comes to informal situations or casual conversations, the following terms are commonly used:
- Yotteiru (酔っている): This phrase means “being drunk” and is often used in a casual setting among friends or peers. It is the present continuous form of the verb “yoru” (to get drunk).
- Mekura (目くら): This term describes being drunk to the point where one’s vision becomes distorted or impaired. It can be used casually to indicate that someone is heavily intoxicated.
- Meromeru (メロメル): This slang term is used to describe someone who is completely wasted or extremely drunk.
- Bibiri (ビビリ): This expression is commonly used to describe being tipsy or slightly drunk.
Regional Variations
While Japanese generally uses the terms mentioned above to describe being drunk, there are some regional variations worth noting:
“Kansai Region Variation: In the Kansai area, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people often use the term ‘kanpai’ (乾杯) to describe being drunk. It is derived from the common celebratory phrase meaning ‘cheers.’ So, if you hear someone saying ‘kanpai shiteiru,’ they are probably indicating they are drunk.”
Examples of Usage
Now, let’s look at some examples to help you better understand how to use these terms:
- 1. Formal Examples:
- “Watashi wa kinō yoi datta” (私は昨日酔いだった): I was drunk yesterday.
- “Kare wa chōshō desu” (彼は酔っ払いです): He is a drunkard.
- 2. Informal Examples:
- “Tomo ga yotteiru yo” (友が酔っているよ): My friend is drunk.
- “Kinō wa mekura ni natteita” (昨日は目くらになっていた): I was blind drunk yesterday.
Remember, context is crucial when using these terms, so always consider the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “drunk” in Japanese. From formal terms like “yoi” and “chōshō” to the more informal expressions such as “yotteiru” and “mekura,” you are now equipped to discuss intoxication in different settings. Just make sure to use the appropriate term for each context, and you’ll be able to communicate effectively with native Japanese speakers. Kanpai to your newfound knowledge!
