1.
evening drink at home; having a drink with dinner
The custom of drinking alcohol at home in the evening, typically with dinner or a light snack. A daily ritual for many adults in Japan, distinct from social drinking at bars or restaurants.
毎晩晩酌を楽しむ。
I enjoy an evening drink every night.
父は晩酌にビールを一杯飲む。
My father has a beer with his evening drink.
仕事が終わって家に帰ったら、晩酌をしながら好きなテレビを見るのが日課になっている。
After work, my daily routine is to come home and watch my favorite TV shows while having my evening drink.
USAGE:
晩酌 specifically refers to drinking at home in the evening, not going out to drink. It conveys a sense of relaxation and daily routine. The word has a warm, familiar connotation and is often associated with the image of a tired worker unwinding at home.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 晩酌をする (to have an evening drink)
- 晩酌のお供 (accompaniment for one's evening drink — i.e., snacks)
- 晩酌を楽しむ (to enjoy one's evening drink)
- 晩酌に付き合う (to join someone for their evening drink)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 晩酌: evening drink at home (routine, relaxed)
- 飲み会: drinking party (social, at a restaurant or bar)
- 一杯やる: to have a drink (casual, can be anywhere)
- 宅飲み: drinking at home (modern slang, can be social)