Sake is a drink that has been made in Japan for thousands of years. All across Japan there are sake breweries, dozens of different brands, and sake festivals. And again, most regions have their own something special to contribute. So just what is sake and why is it so popular?
米酒产于日本，已经有上千年的历史了。米酒厂遍布整个日本，有各种不同的品牌以及与米酒有关的节庆。而且大部分地区还有珍品威士忌可供品尝。那么米酒究竟是什么，又为什么如此流行呢？
When most foreigners think of Japanese sake, they think “rice wine”. However, sake is an alcohol made from rice, but it is not a rice wine. Just like traditionally, vodka is made from potatoes and rum is made from sugar, well, sake, is made from rice.
外国人所认为的日本酒就是指“米制酒”。然而，米酒是由大米做成的酒精饮料，但它并不是仅由大米制成。就像传统的，伏特加由土豆制成，朗姆酒由糖制成，米酒由大米制成。
The process to make sake is actually very similar to the process used to make beer. The one special thing about sake, is something quite silly actually. What makes the process of brewing sake so unique, is that as the brewers are making it, they will sing. Yup, sing.
制作米酒的程序和过去制作啤酒的程序非常相似。实际上，有关制作米酒的一个特别之处听起来似乎有些愚蠢。酿造米酒的独特之处在于：酿酒者在制作过程中会伴随着歌唱。对，就是唱歌。
By singing in unison, it ensures that the brewing steps are carried out rhythmically and accurately. If you ever get to go on a sake tour, you will witness this unique process, which is really fun!
大家齐声歌唱可以确保酿造步骤准确而又节奏。如果你有机会对米酒厂进行参观，你就会目睹这一有趣而又独特的酿造过程。
Drinking sake, like most Japanese things, has an art to it.When you order sake it is usually served in a small carafe like container called a tokkuri, along with small cups called ochoko.
像许多日本其它行为一样，喝米酒也很有讲究。米酒通常盛放在一个叫“托骨利”的小玻璃容器里，倒在一种叫“佛手瓜”的茶杯里饮用。
If you’re drinking in Japan, it is typical that the subordinate person always pours for their superiors. Usually this is determined by age, job position, etc.– But don’t fret over trying to figure this out, because, trust me, if you’re already living in Japan, you know what your status is.Otherwise just try to keep everyone’s cups full, but never pour for yourself.
在日本喝米酒的习惯通常是晚辈给长辈斟酒。通常这种辈分关系由年龄、工作职位等决定。但是你完全不用为如何搞清这些关系而担心，相信我，如果你已经生活在日本，你一定会弄清自己属于哪个阶层的。如果实在搞不清楚就保持每个人的杯子是满的，唯独不要为自己斟酒。
After someone has poured for you, take a small sip before putting it down. And remember, even though ochoko are small, they are not shot glasses. REPEAT! They are not shot glasses. So sit back, sip your sake slowly and enjoy it!
如果有人给你倒酒，要尝一小口后再放下。同时，一定要记住尽管这种圆柱形小茶杯很小，但它并不是小酒杯。切记！它们不是小酒杯。所以，要坐下来，小口喝，慢慢品尝你的米酒。
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