ウイスキー

• Reading: ウイスキー
• Romaji: uisukii
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.i.sɯ.kiː/

Meaning

Whiskey. A distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain.

A loanword from English 'whiskey/whisky.' Japan has a world-renowned whiskey industry, with brands like Suntory and Nikka winning international awards. The spelling ウイスキー (without a small イ) is the standard Japanese form. Common drinking styles in Japan include ハイボール (highball, whiskey with soda water) and ロック (on the rocks). 水割り (mizuwari, diluted with water) is also popular.

Examples

1. 父はウイスキーをロックで飲むのが好きだ。 My dad likes to drink his whiskey on the rocks.
2. 日本のウイスキーは世界でも有名になった。 Japanese whiskey has become famous around the world.
3. バーでウイスキーのハイボールを注文した。 I ordered a whiskey highball at the bar.

Usage Guide

Context: dining, bars, socialising

Tone: casual

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'whiskey,' which derives from Scottish Gaelic 'uisge beatha' meaning 'water of life.' Japanese whiskey production began in the 1920s, modelled after Scotch whisky.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal