Meaning and Usage
The verb 酔う (よう) primarily means "to get drunk" from alcohol, but it is also commonly used to describe motion sickness such as seasickness or car sickness. This dual usage is important to remember because the context will clarify whether it refers to alcohol intoxication or nausea caused by movement.
Common Collocations
- お酒に酔う: to get drunk on alcohol
- 船に酔う: to get seasick
- 車に酔う: to get car sick
These phrases are very common in daily conversation and help specify the cause of the feeling.
Register and Politeness
酔う is a neutral verb and can be used in casual and polite speech. When speaking politely, it is often combined with ます form (酔います).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 酔う with intoxication only related to alcohol, but it also applies to motion sickness. Pay attention to the context and accompanying words like お酒 (alcohol), 船 (ship), or 車 (car) to understand the meaning.
Practical Tips
When you want to say you feel sick from motion, use 酔う with the vehicle or motion word. When talking about drinking too much, use it with お酒. This verb is very useful in everyday situations involving drinking or travel discomfort.