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shochu

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈʃoʊ.tʃu/

KK: /ʃoʊtʃu/

noun
Definition

A type of Japanese alcoholic drink that is usually made from barley, sweet potatoes, or rice. It has an alcohol content of about 25%, which is less than whisky but more than wine and sake.


Example

I enjoyed a glass of shochu with my dinner last night.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried shochu?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What's it like?
Sloth A
It's a Japanese drink that's smoother than whisky, but stronger than sake.
Sloth B
Sounds interesting! I’d love to give shochu a try sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
liquor
spirits
beverage
Antonyms
water
nonalcoholic
softdrink
Root Explanation

The word 'shochu' originates from Japanese (焼酎), meaning 'burned liquor' or 'distilled spirit'. It refers to a traditional Japanese distilled alcoholic beverage made from various ingredients such as barley, sweet potatoes, or rice.

Memory Tip

Think of 'shochu' as a 'burned liquor' from Japan, which helps you remember that it is a type of distilled spirit.

Visually Confused Words
shou
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