酒水

• Pinyin: jiǔ shuǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 酒 = 氵+ 酉 (wine jar), alcohol; 水 = pictograph of flowing water

Meaning

Beverages; drinks (especially alcoholic). A general term for drinks served at restaurants or events.

A combined term literally meaning 'alcohol and water' but functionally covers all beverages. Commonly seen on restaurant menus (酒水菜单) or in billing (酒水费). In hospitality contexts, 酒水 may be separate from food charges. Can include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅的酒水价格比外面贵好几倍，建议自带饮料。 The beverage prices at this restaurant are several times higher than outside; it's better to bring your own drinks.
2. 婚宴的酒水通常由男方负责，这是当地的习俗。 The drinks for the wedding banquet are usually provided by the groom's family — it's a local custom.
3. 服务员，麻烦给我们看一下酒水单。 Waiter, could you please show us the drink menu?

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, events, hospitality

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 酒水另算还是包含在套餐里？(Are drinks charged separately or included in the package?)
• 今晚的酒水我请。(Drinks are on me tonight.)

Don't Say

• 在非餐饮场合用酒水指代所有饮料 (酒水 is mainly used in restaurant/event contexts — in everyday life just say 饮料)

Origin & History

Compound of 酒 (alcohol) + 水 (water/drinks). Originally meant alcohol and water separately, now refers to beverages in general.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal