How to say "liquor" in Japanese

• シュナップスCommon
  nounA loanword for schnapps. It matches 'liquor' only when that specific drink is meant and is not a general word for alcohol; for liquor in general, use 酒類.
• 酒類しゅるいCommon
  nounCovers liquor as alcoholic drinks collectively — a category term for when drinks are grouped together, as in shop or legal contexts. For 'liquor' in the broad sense, use this word.
  この店みせでは酒類しゅるいは売うっていない。↗

  Liquor is not sold at this store.

For liquor meaning alcoholic drinks in general or as a category, use 酒類; 「シュナップス」 is the loanword for the specific drink schnapps and is not a general word for liquor.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• シュナップスliquor
• 酒類しゅるいalcoholic drinks
• リカーliquor
• 醸造酒じょうぞうしゅbrewage
• 玉箒たまははきliquor