1.
to pour, to add (liquid)
To pour a small amount of liquid, especially when serving drinks.
目薬を注す。
To put in eye drops.
機械に油を注して動きをよくする。
Oil the machine to make it run better.
目が乾いたので、目薬を注してから仕事を続けた。
My eyes were dry, so I put in eye drops before continuing work.
注す means to pour or apply liquid in small amounts.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
KANJI DISTINCTION:
Several verbs are read さす but use different kanji:
- 注す: to pour, apply (liquid)
- 刺す: to stab, pierce
- 指す: to point at
- 挿す: to insert
- 差す: to hold up (umbrella), to shine (light)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 目薬を注す: to put in eye drops
- 油を注す: to oil, lubricate
- お酒を注す: to pour sake (for someone)
- 水を注す: to add water, to throw cold water on (figuratively)
USAGE NOTE:
In the context of serving drinks, especially sake, 注す implies pouring for someone else as a gesture of hospitality.