Why do we say “take medicine” as “drink medicine” in Japanese? 💊

In Japanese, we say 「薬(くすり)をのむ」.

In English, we say take medicine, so many people wonder, “Why drink?”🤔💊

A long time ago in Japan, medicine was mostly powder or liquid, not capsules or tablets.

People took medicine with water or tea by mouth. That is why they used the word "drink”.

Even now, we say "のむ" for pills too.

We also say 「スープをのむ」when we eat soup.

Soup is a liquid, so we naturally use "のむ" for it. 🍲

In Singapore, you also take medicine when you catch a cold, right? 🤧

Maybe your mother told you to drink it with tea. That is similar to Japan!

Next, there is the phrase 「言葉(ことば)をのむ」.

It means you want to say something but stop and do not say it. 🤐

For example, when you talk with friends, sometimes you want to say something but hold back.

You can say you "swallow your words". 🗣️✋

Also, there is the phrase 「息(いき)をのむ」.

It means you stop breathing for a moment when you are surprised or moved. 😲

For example, you might see the beautiful night view of MBS and feel so amazed that you "gasp". 🌃✨

Long ago, "nomu" also meant "to breathe in suddenly”.

So, as you see, "nomu" in Japanese is not only for drinking liquids. It can also mean "to keep something inside" or "to breathe in quickly”.

Next time you take medicine, drink soup, or see a beautiful view and feel surprised, try to remember this history! 😊

Sayuri