甘酒を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、甘酒に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 甘酒とは
- 主に米と麹または酒粕から作られる
- 「飲む点滴」とも呼ばれるほど、栄養価が高いことで知られている
- 甘酒の種類
- 米麹甘酒：米と米麹から作り、自然な甘さでアルコールを含まない
- 酒粕甘酒：酒粕と砂糖などで作り、微量のアルコールを含む
- 主な特徴・魅力
- ビタミンやアミノ酸、ブドウ糖が豊富で、健康や美容にも良いとされている
- 冬の神社やお祭り、正月などの行事でよく飲まれる
- 最近の甘酒事情
- スーパーやコンビニで手軽に買えるほか、フルーツ味や冷たい甘酒、アイスなど新しい商品も増えている
- 健康志向の人や若い世代、海外からの観光客にも人気がある
- 手作りも可能
- 家庭でも簡単に作ることができ、好みに合わせて甘さや濃さを調整できる
２人が甘酒について話しています。
甘酒の種類（米麹版と酒粕版）や特徴、豊富な栄養価、家庭での作り方などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, do you like amazake? I’ve been really interested in it lately.
Yes, I actually enjoy it, especially in winter. What got you interested in amazake?
I tried it for the first time at a shrine festival last New Year’s. It was warm and sweet, and I was surprised by how comforting it tasted.
That’s a classic way to experience amazake! Did you know it’s a traditional Japanese drink made from rice?
Yeah, I read that there are two main types—one made from rice and rice koji, and another from sake lees. Is that right?
Exactly. The rice koji version is naturally sweet and has no alcohol, so even kids can drink it. The sake lees type usually contains a little alcohol and added sugar.
I think I tried the rice koji type, since it didn’t taste alcoholic at all. Why do people say it’s healthy?
It’s actually full of nutrients—B vitamins, amino acids, and glucose. Some people call it a “drinkable IV” because it gives you quick energy and supports your health.
That’s really interesting. No wonder people drink it during festivals and in the winter.
Yes, and amazake has a long history in Japan. It’s even mentioned in ancient documents. People have enjoyed it for centuries, especially during the New Year or after visiting shrines.
Is it only popular in winter? Or do people drink it all year?
These days, you can find amazake all year round in supermarkets and convenience stores. There are even fruit-flavored and cold versions now.
I’ve noticed that! I saw amazake ice cream and even amazake smoothies at some shops. It seems really trendy among young people too.
Right. Amazake has become popular again, not just for tradition, but also for its health and beauty benefits. Many people drink it for their skin or digestion.
Can you make amazake at home? I’m thinking of trying it myself.
Definitely! It’s quite simple. You just need cooked rice, rice koji, and water. Mix them and keep the mixture warm for a few hours, and the natural sweetness develops.
That sounds doable. Does homemade amazake taste different from the store-bought kind?
It can, because you can adjust the sweetness and thickness to your liking. Some people even add ginger for extra flavor.
I’d like to try making it. Do you have any tips?
Make sure to keep the temperature around 55 to 60 degrees Celsius while fermenting. Too hot or too cold, and it won’t turn out right.
Thanks, I’ll remember that. By the way, is amazake suitable for everyone?
The rice koji type is perfect for everyone, even children, pregnant women, and people who don’t drink alcohol. Just be careful with the sake lees type, as it can have some alcohol.
Got it. I think amazake is a wonderful part of Japanese culture. I’d love to share it with my friends from overseas.
That’s a great idea. Amazake really shows how traditional foods can be healthy, delicious, and easy to enjoy anytime.
概要 / Overview
「甘酒」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
甘酒
What is Amazake?
Amazake is a traditional sweet drink from Japan. It is made from rice, and sometimes from sake lees, which is the leftover from making sake. Amazake has a white, milky look and is usually served warm. People in Japan have enjoyed this drink for many years, especially in winter and at New Year festivals.
Types of Amazake
There are two main types of amazake. The first type is made with rice and rice koji, a special kind of mold used for fermentation. This type is naturally sweet and does not contain alcohol, so it is safe for children and adults. The second type is made with sake lees, water, and sugar. This kind may have a little alcohol, so children should not drink too much of it.
Health Benefits
Amazake is known as a healthy drink. It is sometimes called a “drinkable IV” because it gives you quick energy. Amazake has many nutrients, such as B vitamins, amino acids, and glucose. Some people say it is good for your skin and helps with digestion. That is why amazake is popular with people who care about their health and beauty.
Amazake Today
Today, amazake is easy to find in Japan. You can buy it at supermarkets, convenience stores, and even cafes. There are many new flavors, like fruit amazake and amazake ice cream. Many people also like to make amazake at home. Amazake is a tasty and healthy part of Japanese culture, and more people, including tourists, are trying it now.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「甘酒」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is amazake?
Amazake is a traditional sweet drink from Japan. It is made from rice or sake lees and is usually served warm.
2: Are there different types of amazake?
Yes, there are two main types. One is made from rice and rice koji with no alcohol. The other is made from sake lees and has a little alcohol.
3: Is amazake healthy?
Yes, amazake is healthy. It has vitamins, amino acids, and glucose, which are good for your body.
4: When do people usually drink amazake?
People often drink amazake in winter, at festivals, and during New Year celebrations.
5: Can children drink amazake?
Children can drink the rice koji type because it does not have alcohol. The sake lees type may have some alcohol.
6: How does amazake taste?
Amazake tastes sweet and has a gentle flavor. Some people say it tastes like rice pudding.
7: Where can I buy amazake in Japan?
You can buy amazake at supermarkets, convenience stores, and some cafes all year round.
8: Can you make amazake at home?
Yes, you can make amazake at home with cooked rice, rice koji, and water. You need to keep it warm for a few hours.
9: Why is amazake called a “drinkable IV”?
It is called a “drinkable IV” because it gives you quick energy and many nutrients, like an IV drip.
10: Is amazake popular with tourists?
Yes, amazake is popular with tourists. Many visitors try it to experience Japanese culture and healthy foods.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, do you like amazake? I’ve been really interested in it lately.
ねえキー、甘酒って好き？最近ちょっと興味が出てきたんだ。
Yes, I actually enjoy it, especially in winter. What got you interested in amazake?
うん、けっこう好きだよ。特に冬はよく飲むかな。マックはどうして甘酒に興味を持ったの？
I tried it for the first time at a shrine festival last New Year’s. It was warm and sweet, and I was surprised by how comforting it tasted.
去年の正月に神社のお祭りで初めて飲んだんだ。あったかくて甘くて、すごくホッとする味だったのが意外でさ。
That’s a classic way to experience amazake! Did you know it’s a traditional Japanese drink made from rice?
それはまさに王道の体験だね！甘酒って、お米から作られる日本の伝統的な飲み物って知ってた？
Yeah, I read that there are two main types—one made from rice and rice koji, and another from sake lees. Is that right?
うん、調べたら、米と米麹から作るのと、酒粕から作るのと、2種類あるって書いてあったけど合ってる？
Exactly. The rice koji version is naturally sweet and has no alcohol, so even kids can drink it. The sake lees type usually contains a little alcohol and added sugar.
その通り！米麹のタイプは自然な甘さでアルコールが入ってないから、子どもでも飲めるんだ。酒粕のタイプはちょっとアルコールがあって、砂糖も加えることが多いよ。
I think I tried the rice koji type, since it didn’t taste alcoholic at all. Why do people say it’s healthy?
たぶん僕が飲んだのは米麹タイプだったと思う。全然お酒っぽくなかったし。なんで健康にいいって言われてるの？
It’s actually full of nutrients—B vitamins, amino acids, and glucose. Some people call it a “drinkable IV” because it gives you quick energy and supports your health.
ビタミンB群とかアミノ酸、ブドウ糖がたっぷり入ってるからなんだよ。「飲む点滴」って呼ばれることもあるくらい、すぐエネルギー補給になるし、体にもいいんだ。
That’s really interesting. No wonder people drink it during festivals and in the winter.
へえ、面白いね。お祭りとか冬によく飲まれるのも納得だよ。
Yes, and amazake has a long history in Japan. It’s even mentioned in ancient documents. People have enjoyed it for centuries, especially during the New Year or after visiting shrines.
そうそう、しかも甘酒って日本ではすごく歴史が長いんだよ。昔の文献にも出てくるし、何百年も前から、お正月とか初詣で楽しまれてきたんだ。
Is it only popular in winter? Or do people drink it all year?
冬だけ人気なの？それとも一年中飲まれてるの？
These days, you can find amazake all year round in supermarkets and convenience stores. There are even fruit-flavored and cold versions now.
最近はスーパーやコンビニで一年中手に入るし、フルーツ味とか冷たいタイプも出てきてるよ。
I’ve noticed that! I saw amazake ice cream and even amazake smoothies at some shops. It seems really trendy among young people too.
それ見たことある！甘酒アイスとかスムージーも売ってたし、若い人にも流行ってるみたいだね。
Right. Amazake has become popular again, not just for tradition, but also for its health and beauty benefits. Many people drink it for their skin or digestion.
そうなんだよ。最近は伝統だけじゃなくて、健康とか美容にもいいってことでまた人気が出てきてる。肌とか腸にいいから飲む人も多いよ。
Can you make amazake at home? I’m thinking of trying it myself.
家でも作れるの？自分でも挑戦してみたいなって思ってるんだ。
Definitely! It’s quite simple. You just need cooked rice, rice koji, and water. Mix them and keep the mixture warm for a few hours, and the natural sweetness develops.
もちろん！意外と簡単だよ。ご飯と米麹と水があればOKで、混ぜて数時間保温しておけば自然な甘さが出てくるよ。
That sounds doable. Does homemade amazake taste different from the store-bought kind?
それならできそう。手作りの甘酒って、市販のと味が違ったりする？
It can, because you can adjust the sweetness and thickness to your liking. Some people even add ginger for extra flavor.
違う場合もあるよ。自分で甘さとか濃さも調整できるし、ショウガを加えてアレンジする人もいるんだ。
I’d like to try making it. Do you have any tips?
僕も作ってみたいな。コツとかあれば教えてよ。
Make sure to keep the temperature around 55 to 60 degrees Celsius while fermenting. Too hot or too cold, and it won’t turn out right.
発酵中はだいたい55〜60度くらいを保つのがポイントだよ。温度が高すぎたり低すぎたりすると、うまくできないんだ。
Thanks, I’ll remember that. By the way, is amazake suitable for everyone?
ありがとう、覚えておくよ。ところで、甘酒って誰でも飲んで大丈夫なの？
The rice koji type is perfect for everyone, even children, pregnant women, and people who don’t drink alcohol. Just be careful with the sake lees type, as it can have some alcohol.
米麹の甘酒なら、子どもでも妊婦さんでもお酒が飲めない人でも安心して飲めるよ。ただ、酒粕タイプはアルコールが入ってることもあるから注意が必要だね。
Got it. I think amazake is a wonderful part of Japanese culture. I’d love to share it with my friends from overseas.
なるほどね。甘酒って日本の文化の素敵な部分だと思うし、海外の友だちにも紹介したくなるな。
That’s a great idea. Amazake really shows how traditional foods can be healthy, delicious, and easy to enjoy anytime.
いいね！甘酒って、伝統的な食べ物がヘルシーでおいしくて、いつでも気軽に楽しめるってことをよく表してると思うよ。
概要 / Overview
甘酒
What is Amazake?
Amazake is a traditional sweet drink from Japan. It is made from rice, and sometimes from sake lees, which is the leftover from making sake. Amazake has a white, milky look and is usually served warm. People in Japan have enjoyed this drink for many years, especially in winter and at New Year festivals.
甘酒は日本の伝統的な甘い飲み物です。お米から作られ、ときには酒を作った後に残る酒粕から作られることもあります。甘酒は白くてミルクのような見た目で、普通は温かくして飲まれます。日本では冬やお正月のお祭りで、長い間この飲み物が楽しまれています。
Types of Amazake
There are two main types of amazake. The first type is made with rice and rice koji, a special kind of mold used for fermentation. This type is naturally sweet and does not contain alcohol, so it is safe for children and adults. The second type is made with sake lees, water, and sugar. This kind may have a little alcohol, so children should not drink too much of it.
甘酒には主に二つの種類があります。一つ目は、お米と発酵に使う特別な麹（こうじ）という菌で作られるタイプです。このタイプは自然な甘さがあり、アルコールが含まれていないので子どもも大人も安心して飲めます。二つ目は酒粕と水、砂糖で作るタイプで、少しアルコールが残ることがあるので、子どもはあまり飲みすぎないほうがよいです。
Health Benefits
Amazake is known as a healthy drink. It is sometimes called a “drinkable IV” because it gives you quick energy. Amazake has many nutrients, such as B vitamins, amino acids, and glucose. Some people say it is good for your skin and helps with digestion. That is why amazake is popular with people who care about their health and beauty.
甘酒は健康的な飲み物として知られています。素早くエネルギーを補給できるため、「飲む点滴」と呼ばれることもあります。ビタミンB群やアミノ酸、ブドウ糖など多くの栄養が含まれています。肌に良い、消化を助けるという人もいて、健康や美容を気にする人たちに人気があります。
Amazake Today
Today, amazake is easy to find in Japan. You can buy it at supermarkets, convenience stores, and even cafes. There are many new flavors, like fruit amazake and amazake ice cream. Many people also like to make amazake at home. Amazake is a tasty and healthy part of Japanese culture, and more people, including tourists, are trying it now.
今では、甘酒は日本で簡単に手に入ります。スーパーやコンビニ、カフェなどでも買うことができます。フルーツ味の甘酒や甘酒アイスなど、新しい味も増えています。自宅で手作りする人も多いです。甘酒は日本文化のおいしくて健康的な一部であり、観光客を含めてますます多くの人が楽しんでいます。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is amazake?
甘酒とは何ですか？
Amazake is a traditional sweet drink from Japan. It is made from rice or sake lees and is usually served warm.
甘酒は日本の伝統的な甘い飲み物です。お米や酒粕から作られ、普通は温かくして飲まれます。
2: Are there different types of amazake?
甘酒には種類がありますか？
Yes, there are two main types. One is made from rice and rice koji with no alcohol. The other is made from sake lees and has a little alcohol.
はい、主に2つの種類があります。ひとつは米と米麹から作るアルコールなしのタイプで、もうひとつは酒粕から作る少しアルコールが入ったタイプです。
3: Is amazake healthy?
甘酒は健康によいですか？
Yes, amazake is healthy. It has vitamins, amino acids, and glucose, which are good for your body.
はい、甘酒は健康によいです。ビタミンやアミノ酸、ブドウ糖など、体によい成分が含まれています。
4: When do people usually drink amazake?
人々はいつ甘酒を飲みますか？
People often drink amazake in winter, at festivals, and during New Year celebrations.
冬やお祭り、お正月の行事のときによく甘酒が飲まれます。
5: Can children drink amazake?
子どもも甘酒を飲めますか？
Children can drink the rice koji type because it does not have alcohol. The sake lees type may have some alcohol.
米麹タイプはアルコールが入っていないので子どもも飲めます。酒粕タイプにはアルコールが含まれる場合があります。
6: How does amazake taste?
甘酒はどんな味ですか？
Amazake tastes sweet and has a gentle flavor. Some people say it tastes like rice pudding.
甘酒は甘くてやさしい味がします。お米のプリンのようだと言う人もいます。
7: Where can I buy amazake in Japan?
日本ではどこで甘酒を買えますか？
You can buy amazake at supermarkets, convenience stores, and some cafes all year round.
スーパーやコンビニ、一部のカフェなどで一年中甘酒を買うことができます。
8: Can you make amazake at home?
家で甘酒を作ることはできますか？
Yes, you can make amazake at home with cooked rice, rice koji, and water. You need to keep it warm for a few hours.
はい、ご飯と米麹、水を使えば家でも甘酒を作れます。数時間保温する必要があります。
9: Why is amazake called a “drinkable IV”?
なぜ甘酒は「飲む点滴」と呼ばれるのですか？
It is called a “drinkable IV” because it gives you quick energy and many nutrients, like an IV drip.
甘酒は点滴のようにすぐにエネルギーと栄養を補給できるので「飲む点滴」と呼ばれています。
10: Is amazake popular with tourists?
甘酒は観光客にも人気がありますか？
Yes, amazake is popular with tourists. Many visitors try it to experience Japanese culture and healthy foods.
はい、甘酒は観光客にも人気があります。多くの旅行者が日本文化や健康的な食品を体験するために甘酒を試しています。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
lees : 名詞
意味: 酒粕。お酒やワインなどの醸造の過程でできる、液体の底に残る固形物。The solid substance left at the bottom after fermenting alcoholic drinks like sake or wine.
（甘酒の種類「酒粕甘酒」で使う材料として説明）
例文：
- Sake lees are used to make a special type of amazake.
「酒粕は特別な種類の甘酒を作るのに使われます。」 - The wine lees were removed after fermentation.
「ワインの澱は発酵後に取り除かれました。」 - Some Japanese recipes use lees as a seasoning.
「日本のレシピの中には、調味料として酒粕を使うものもあります。」
nutrient : 名詞
意味: 栄養素。体に必要な栄養分。A substance that helps plants, animals, or people to grow and stay healthy.
（甘酒にビタミンやアミノ酸などの栄養素が豊富であることの説明で使用）
例文：
- Amazake contains many important nutrients.
「甘酒には多くの大切な栄養素が含まれています。」 - Fruits are a good source of nutrients.
「果物は栄養素のよい供給源です。」 - Children need different nutrients to grow well.
「子どもは元気に成長するためにいろいろな栄養素が必要です。」
IV : 名詞 /ˌaɪˈviː/
意味: 点滴（intravenous dripの略）。体内に直接液体や栄養を注入する医療処置。Short for “intravenous drip”; a way of putting fluids or nutrients directly into a vein.
（「飲む点滴」として甘酒の健康効果を説明する際に使用）
例文：
- Amazake is sometimes called a “drinkable IV.”
「甘酒は『飲む点滴』と呼ばれることもあります。」 - The doctor gave the patient an IV for dehydration.
「医者は脱水症状の患者に点滴をしました。」 - She had an IV during her stay in the hospital.
「彼女は入院中に点滴を受けました。」
digestion : 名詞
意味: 消化。食べ物が体内で分解・吸収される過程。The process of breaking down food in the body so it can be used for energy and nutrients.
（甘酒が消化によい、または胃腸にやさしい飲み物であることの説明で使用）
例文：
- Amazake is said to help with digestion.
「甘酒は消化を助けると言われています。」 - Good digestion is important for health.
「良い消化は健康に大切です。」 - Drinking warm water can improve your digestion.
「温かい水を飲むことで消化がよくなることがあります。」
thickness : 名詞
意味: 濃さ、厚さ、どれだけ分厚いか・濃いかを表す。The quality of being thick; the distance between opposite sides of something; also used for liquid consistency.
（手作り甘酒の濃さ・とろみを調整できる点の説明で使用）
例文：
- You can change the thickness of amazake by adding more water.
「水を加えることで甘酒の濃さを変えることができます。」 - The soup’s thickness was just right for me.
「そのスープのとろみは私にちょうどよかったです。」 - Some people like the thickness of traditional Japanese miso soup.
「伝統的な日本の味噌汁のとろみが好きな人もいます。」
詳細情報 / Further Info
関連記事（発酵食品）
