ビール

• Reading: ビール
• Romaji: biiru
• Pronunciation: /biː.ɾɯ/

Meaning

Beer. The most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan.

Borrowed from Dutch 'bier.' Beer is the most consumed alcoholic drink in Japan, often ordered first at restaurants and izakaya with the phrase とりあえずビール (beer for starters). Major Japanese brands include Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory. Draft beer is called 生ビール (nama biiru).

Examples

1. とりあえずビールをお願いします。 Beer for starters, please.
2. 暑い日にはビールがおいしいです。 Beer tastes great on a hot day.
3. 友達とビールを飲みに行きました。 I went out for beers with friends.

Usage Guide

Context: izakaya, restaurants, social gatherings

Tone: casual

Origin & History

Borrowed from Dutch 'bier' during the Edo period. Beer brewing in Japan began in the late 1800s during the Meiji era, and it quickly became the most popular alcoholic drink in the country.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji era

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal