醸す

• Reading: かもす
• Romaji: kamosu
• Kanji breakdown: 醸 (jō/kamo) — brew, ferment, cause
• Pronunciation: /ka.mo.sɯ/

Meaning

To brew (sake, etc.); to cause; to give rise to. To create or bring about something gradually.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb originally meaning to brew alcohol through fermentation. In modern usage, frequently appears in the set phrase 物議を醸す (to cause controversy, stir up debate). The brewing metaphor captures how something develops gradually until it becomes noticeable. Less common as a standalone verb than in compound forms.

Examples

1. この蔵元は伝統的な方法で日本酒を醸している。 This brewery makes sake using traditional methods.
2. 大臣の発言が物議を醸した。 The minister's remarks stirred up controversy.
3. 新しい政策が国民の不安を醸している。 The new policy is breeding public anxiety.

Usage Guide

Context: sake brewing, news, controversy

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

The kanji 醸 combines 酉 (sake vessel) and 襄 (assist, complete), depicting the process of completing sake through fermentation. One of the oldest verbs related to Japanese sake-brewing culture.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal