酒

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Spelling: 酒. Reading: さけ. Core meaning: alcohol; sake.
• Basic usage: Representative examples: 物語の宿には各地の酒が並んでいる / 父は料理に少量の酒を加えた.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Alcohol and sake
  • 酒 from many regions can refer broadly to alcoholic drinks, while 酒 added to cooking may mean sake. Context determines whether broad “alcohol” or specific “sake” is appropriate.