酢

• Reading: す
• Romaji: su
• Kanji breakdown: 酢 (su) — vinegar (酉 = alcohol vessel radical)
• Pronunciation: /sɯ/

Meaning

Vinegar. A sour liquid seasoning widely used in Japanese cooking, especially for sushi rice and pickles.

Rice vinegar (米酢) is the most common type in Japanese cuisine. It is milder and sweeter than Western vinegars. Used to season sushi rice (酢飯), make vinegared dishes (酢の物), and as part of the classic さしすせそ seasoning order where す represents vinegar.

Examples

1. すし飯を作るときに酢を入れます。 I add vinegar when making sushi rice.
2. 酢の物は夏にさっぱりして美味しいです。 Vinegared dishes are refreshing and delicious in summer.
3. 健康のために毎日少しだけ酢を飲んでいます。 I drink a little vinegar every day for my health.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, food preparation, health

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The character 酢 combines 酉 (alcohol vessel) and 乍 (phonetic component). Vinegar was historically produced as a byproduct of sake brewing.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal