alcohol vs drinking alcohol in Korean

vs음주

alcohol

alcohol

Alcohol (술) means drinks like beer, wine, or soju. It is a general Korean word for alcoholic drinks, not one special kind. People often use it with words like drink, buy, sell, or not drink.

When to use alcohol
drinking alcohol

음주drinking alcohol

음주 means drinking alcohol. You often see this word on signs, in rules, or in news stories, especially when talking about places where alcohol is not allowed. People also use it in everyday situations when talking about drinking at a meal, a party, or before driving.

When to use drinking alcohol

How they differ

alcohol (술) and drinking alcohol (음주) are nearby Korean vocabulary items learners often meet together. Use “alcohol” when Alcohol (술) means drinks like beer, wine, or soju. It is a general Korean word for alcoholic drinks, not one special kind. People often u… Use “drinking alcohol” when 음주 means drinking alcohol. You often see this word on signs, in rules, or in news stories, especially when talking about places where alc…