1.
tipsy, pleasantly drunk, slightly intoxicated
A pleasant state of mild intoxication where one feels relaxed and cheerful but is not heavily drunk.
ほろ酔い気分だ。
I'm feeling tipsy.
ほろ酔いで気持ちがいい。
I'm pleasantly tipsy and it feels good.
ほろ酔いの状態で帰ってきた。
I came home slightly tipsy.
ほろ酔い加減で話が弾んだ。
The conversation flowed easily while we were tipsy.
ほろ酔い describes a pleasant, mild level of intoxication—being buzzed or tipsy without being drunk. It's generally viewed positively, suggesting a relaxed, sociable state.
The ほろ is an adverb meaning "slightly" or "just a bit," and 酔い means "intoxication."
Related terms:
- 酔っ払い: drunk person (more intoxicated)
- べろべろ: very drunk (casual)
- ぐでんぐでん: completely drunk (casual)