Proverb / Kotowaza
一杯は人酒を飲む、二杯は酒酒を飲む、三杯は酒人を飲む
While the first drink is controlled by the person, subsequent drinks lead to a loss of self-control until the alcohol eventually dominates the drinker.
With the first cup, the person drinks the sake; with the second cup, the sake drinks the sake; with the third cup, the sake drinks the person.
Quick Answer
While the first drink is controlled by the person, subsequent drinks lead to a loss of self-control until the alcohol eventually dominates the drinker.
- Literal Image
- With the first cup, the person drinks the sake; with the second cup, the sake drinks the sake; with the third cup, the sake drinks the person.
- Closest Equivalent
- First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man
- How to Use It
- Used to advise moderation when drinking or to warn someone about the point where they might lose control of their behavior due to alcohol.
Meaning
This proverb illustrates the progressive stages of intoxication and the erosion of self-discipline. Initially, a person consciously chooses to drink, but by the second glass, the momentum of drinking takes over. Ultimately, the alcohol consumes the person's judgment and will, serving as a warning against the dangers of overconsumption.
Literal Image
With the first cup, the person drinks the sake; with the second cup, the sake drinks the sake; with the third cup, the sake drinks the person.
Equivalent Proverbs
First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man
A nearly identical western equivalent describing the same progression.
How to Use It
Used to advise moderation when drinking or to warn someone about the point where they might lose control of their behavior due to alcohol.
Tone
Cautionary and advisory.
Examples
一杯は人酒を飲む、二杯は酒酒を飲む、三杯は酒人を飲むという。今夜は二杯までにしておこう。
They say the first cup is the man drinking, the second is the drink drinking, and the third is the drink drinking the man. I'll stop at two cups tonight.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary consists of basic words for counting and drinking, the repetitive structure and the shifting relationship between subject and object require intermediate grammar comprehension.
一杯
いっぱい / ippai
one cup
酒
さけ / sake
alcohol; sake
飲む
のむ / nomu
to drink
人
ひと / hito
person
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a specific warning about drinking and may not apply to other forms of overindulgence.
Misread Risk
Do not assume the 'cups' refer only to small sake cups; it refers metaphorically to any quantity that leads to loss of control.
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Origin
This saying serves as a warning about one's relationship with alcohol. It describes a progression: at the first cup, the individual is the subjective agent drinking; by the second, they are being pulled along by the drink; and by the third, they are entirely dominated by its power. Similar expressions are found globally, representing a universal teaching on the importance of moderation in drinking.
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Source Note
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