乾く

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 喉が乾いた。▶ —
   I am thirsty.
2. 洗濯物が乾く。▶ —
   The laundry dries.

Collocations

Mnemonic

Kawaku (かわく) is the godan intransitive for "dry / thirst." Two kanji split: 乾く for physical drying (sentakumono, tsuchi, kuuki) — root of kansou (dryness); 渇く for body thirst (nodo, karada) — root of katsubou (longing). Conversation merges in hiragana. Transitive partner is kawakasu. The kanpai (乾杯) cultural code: at the start of every nomikai, the host or joushi calls kanpai; everyone lifts cups slightly and takes a sip. Literal "drain the cup" misleads — Japanese sip rather than empty. First drink defaults to beer ("toriaezu biiru"). Clinking with seniors holds your glass lower as a kenson gesture; oshaku etiquette has others pour for you. Korean malda / galjeung and Chinese gan / ke diverge. JLPT N5 kawaku integrates with the 乾 / 渇 split and the kanpai code.

Quick check

1. Real kanpai behavior in Japan?

   • Lift cup slightly, shout kanpai, take a sip (not actually emptying)
   • Drain the cup
   • Drop the cup
   • Throw the cup