Translation and Meaning of: 酔う - you

The Japanese word 「酔う」 (you) is a verb that means "to get drunk" or "to become intoxicated." This word is commonly used to describe the state of intoxication caused by alcohol consumption. Additionally, it can be applied to other contexts, such as "to feel dizzy" or "nauseated," especially when referring to motion sickness, like on the sea or during car trips. The versatility of the term is remarkable in the Japanese language, allowing its use in different situations of discomfort or alteration of the senses.

Etymologically, 「酔う」 derives from the kanji 「酔」, which has the radical 「酉」, related to alcoholic beverages and fermentation, emphasizing its strong connection to alcohol consumption. The left-side radical 「酉」 often appears in kanjis associated with the concept of fermentation or drink, while the right side contributes to the overall meaning associated with intoxication or a change in mental state due to these substances. This specific kanji unites these concepts, focusing on the idea of intoxication.

The origin of the use of the word can be traced back to the cultural habits of beverage consumption in historical Japanese society. For centuries, fermented drinks, such as sake, played a central role in social events and religious rituals, resulting in the formation of a rich terminology around this practice, with 「酔う」 emerging as a common term to describe the experience of intoxication. Furthermore, the verb gained its broader meaning of "to feel nauseous," possibly due to the similar sensations of dizziness and disorientation that both states provide.

In modern language, 「酔う」 is widely used in various forms, including the use of the adjective 「酔っぱらい」 (yopparai), meaning "drunk," and the expression 「船酔い」 (funayoi), which specifically refers to seasickness after maritime travels. This word remains an essential expression in the Japanese vocabulary, reflecting not only an aspect of social interactions but also universal human sensations of disorientation and alteration of the senses.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 酔う

• 酔う - base form
• 酔います - polite form
• 酔いましょう - Polite imperative form
• 酔った - past form
• 酔われる - Passive Form

Synonyms and similar words

• 酩酊する (Meitai suru) - State of intense intoxication.
• 酔っ払う (Yopparau) - To get drunk; to be slightly intoxicated.
• 酔い病む (Yoi yamu) - Feeling unwell due to intoxication.
• 酔い潰れる (Yoi tsubureru) - To reach a state where one falls or faints due to drunkenness.
• 酔いどれる (Yoidoreru) - To be so drunk that you lose the ability to stay alert.
• 酔いしれる (Yoi shireru) - To be enchanted or involved with the feeling of being drunk.
• 酔いが回る (Yoi ga mawaru) - Feeling the effect of alcohol starting to spread through the body.
• 酔いが冷める (Yoi ga sameru) - The effect of alcohol starting to fade; waking up from drunkenness.
• 酔いが晴れる (Yoi ga hareru) - The drunkenness dissipating; clear sensation after alcohol consumption.
• 酔いがとれる (Yoi ga toreru) - The intoxication goes away or is removed; feeling more sober.
• 酔いが抜ける (Yoi ga nukeru) - The effect of the drink disappears.
• 酔いが治まる (Yoi ga osamaru) - The state of intoxication begins to calm down.
• 酔いが消える (Yoi ga kieru) - The intoxication disappears completely.
• 酔いが引く (Yoi ga hiku) - The effects of the drink gradually decrease.
• 酔いが薄れる (Yoi ga usureru) - The intoxication becomes lighter; the effects diminish.
• 酔いが収まる (Yoi ga osamaru) - The intoxication stabilizes or calms down.
• 酔いが落ち着く (Yoi ga ochitsuku) - The intoxication becomes more controlled or calm.
• 酔いが解ける (Yoi ga tokeru) - The inebriation dissolves; the effect of alcohol fades away.
• 酔いが軽減する (Yoi ga keigen suru) - The sensation of intoxication decreases significantly.

```

酔う

Romaji: you
Kana: よう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: get drunk; become intoxicated

Meaning in English: to get drunk;to become intoxicated

Definition: State in which consciousness becomes blurred due to alcohol consumption.

Example Sentences - (酔う) you

See below some example sentences:

二日酔いは辛いです。

Futsukayoi wa tsurai desu

The two-day hangover is tough.

A hangover is spicy.

• 二日酔い (futsukayoi) - two-day hangover
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 辛い (tsurai) - difficult, painful, bitter
• です (desu) - polite way of being