Meaning and Usage
The verb 注す (さす) primarily means "to pour" or "to serve" drinks, such as tea, beer, or other beverages. It is often used when someone is pouring a drink for themselves or others, emphasizing the action of transferring liquid into a container like a cup or glass.
Common Contexts
This verb is frequently used in social settings, such as when serving tea or alcohol to guests. It can also be used in cooking contexts when adding liquids like soy sauce or oil.
Collocations and Patterns
- 注す + 飲み物 (e.g., お茶を注す): pouring a drink
- グラスに注す: pouring into a glass
- 少し注す: pouring a small amount
Register and Politeness
注す is a neutral verb and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. However, in very formal situations, more polite expressions like 注ぎます (そそぎます) might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 注す (さす) with 注ぐ (そそぐ), which also means "to pour." 注す is less common and often used in specific contexts like serving drinks, while 注ぐ is more general. Pay attention to the reading and context to avoid confusion.