Sake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sake

[seɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

Japanese culture

Japanese rice wine, made by fermenting rice

Synonyms

Japanese rice wine, nihonshu, rice wine.

Examples of usage

  • Let's have some sake with our sushi tonight.
  • She poured herself a glass of sake to relax after a long day at work.
Context #2 | Noun

Slang

Personal interest or welfare

Synonyms

benefit, interest, welfare.

Examples of usage

  • He did it for his own sake.
  • For goodness' sake, be quiet!
Context #3 | Noun

Slang

Purpose or reason

Synonyms

cause, purpose, reason.

Examples of usage

  • She had to leave early for the sake of her health.
  • I'm doing it for old times' sake.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Japanese culture, sake is often used in ceremonial rituals, including weddings and New Year's celebrations.
  • The drink is traditionally served in a special cup called a 'masu,' which also emphasizes the importance of hospitality in Japanese culture.
  • Special sake is often offered to deities at Shinto shrines as a means of devotion and celebration.

Social Context

  • In social gatherings, pouring sake for others is a sign of respect and friendship, highlighting the communal aspect of drinking.
  • Drinking sake can sometimes be accompanied by specific food pairings, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • People often use sake to toast or express gratitude at the beginning of a meal.

Science and Production

  • The brewing process involves converting starches in rice into sugars, which are then fermented into alcohol.
  • Sake can range in flavor from sweet to dry, depending on the rice polishing ratio and fermentation methods used.
  • Temperature plays a crucial role in the brewing process, affecting the flavor and aroma profile of the final product.

Art and Literature

  • Sake is a common theme in Japanese poetry and art, symbolizing pleasure, relaxation, and the passage of time.
  • In literature, sake can represent deeper relationships and connections between characters, often appearing in festive scenes.
  • Various art forms have depicted the cultural significance of sake, illustrating its role in daily life and celebrations.

Origin of 'sake'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sake' originally means 'alcohol' in Japanese, not specifically the rice wine we think of in English.
  • Historically, the drink has been referred to as 'nihonshu' in Japan, which translates to 'Japanese alcohol.'
  • Sake brewing practices have been developed over 1,000 years, reflecting a rich tradition in Japanese culture.

The word 'sake' comes from the Japanese word 'saké'. It has been brewed in Japan for over a thousand years and holds a significant cultural and traditional value. Sake is often consumed during special occasions and ceremonies, and its popularity has spread beyond Japan to other parts of the world.


See also: forsake.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,921, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.