Sake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sake
[seɪk ]
Definitions
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.
Slang
Personal interest or welfare
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He did it for his own sake.
- For goodness' sake, be quiet!
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.