1.
squash — a racquet sport played in an enclosed court by two players using a small rubber ball
The racquet sport in which players hit a small rubber ball against the walls of an enclosed court. Introduced to Japan as an imported sport, it is played at dedicated squash courts and fitness clubs.
2.
squash — a carbonated or still fruit drink, typically made with citrus juice, sugar, and (often) soda water
A type of fruit-based drink, especially a citrus drink made with lemon or lime juice, sugar, and carbonated or still water. Common varieties in Japan are レモンスカッシュ (lemon squash) and オレンジスカッシュ (orange squash), usually served chilled at coffee shops and restaurants.
Loanword from English 'squash', used in Japanese for two unrelated meanings: the racquet sport, and a style of fruit drink.
Usage
- Sense 1 (sport): Less common than tennis or badminton in Japan, but found at specialized courts and fitness clubs. Always refers to the sport itself; context makes it clear.
- Sense 2 (drink): Very common at old-style 喫茶店 (coffee shops), family restaurants, and summer menus. Usually compounded with a fruit name: レモンスカッシュ, オレンジスカッシュ, メロンスカッシュ.
- The vegetable 'squash' (pumpkin, zucchini, etc.) is NOT called スカッシュ in Japanese — use かぼちゃ or ズッキーニ instead.
- Note for British English speakers: 'squash' in British usage usually means a concentrated syrup diluted with water at home, not a ready-to-drink beverage. スカッシュ in Japan is sold ready to drink, often carbonated.
Common collocations
- スカッシュをする: to play squash (sport)
- スカッシュのコート: squash court
- レモンスカッシュ: lemon squash (drink)
- オレンジスカッシュ: orange squash (drink)
- メロンスカッシュ: melon squash (drink)
Similar words
- 炭酸飲料: carbonated drink — a broader category that includes squash-type drinks.
- ソーダ: soda — often used for sweetened or flavored carbonated water (クリームソーダ).
- ジュース: juice — general term for non-alcoholic soft drinks, including fruit juices and some sodas.
Cultural note
レモンスカッシュ is a classic menu item at Japanese 喫茶店 (traditional coffee shops), evoking nostalgia for the Shōwa era.
Related Words
Compare:
炭酸飲料 (carbonated drink)
Compare:
ソーダ (soda)
Compare:
ジュース (juice)
Related:
テニス (tennis)