What is the English term for the Japanese word '酒'?

The English term for the Japanese word '酒' is 'sake.' In Japanese, '酒' (pronounced as "sake") is a general term that refers to alcoholic beverages, but in English, it specifically denotes the traditional Japanese rice wine made through fermentation. This distinction is important because in Western contexts, the word 'sake' has come to exclusively identify this particular beverage, which is brewed using a process that involves polishing rice, fermentation, and other unique techniques.

The other options present different types of Japanese alcoholic drinks. Soju, for example, is a Korean spirit typically distilled from grains or sweet potatoes. Shōchū is a Japanese distilled spirit that can be made from various ingredients, such as barley, sweet potatoes, or rice, and often has a higher alcohol content than sake. Umeshu is a sweet and fruity plum wine made by steeping ume fruits in alcohol and sugar, distinct from sake in both flavor profile and production method. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the specific type of drink referred to in English.