Meaning and Usage
"カップ" primarily means a cup used for drinking, such as a coffee cup or tea cup. It is a loanword from English and is commonly used in everyday conversation.
Different Contexts
Besides the literal meaning of a drinking vessel, "カップ" is also used in sports contexts to refer to a "cup" tournament or competition, like a soccer cup or tennis cup.
Common Collocations
- カップを持つ (holding a cup): often used when describing someone drinking or holding a cup.
- コーヒーカップ (coffee cup): a specific type of cup for coffee.
- カップ戦 (cup tournament): refers to a sports competition.
Register and Politeness
"カップ" is a neutral term and can be used in both casual and formal contexts without issue.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "カップ" with "コップ" which also means cup or glass but usually refers to a glass tumbler. "カップ" often implies a cup with a handle, like a teacup or coffee cup.