noun
snack with drinks; appetizer for alcohol
Food eaten while drinking, often salty or savory. Common in phrases like 酒の肴 (sake no sakana).
このチーズはワインの肴にぴったりだ。
This cheese is perfect as a snack with wine.
居酒屋で酒の肴をいくつか頼んだ。
We ordered several snacks to go with our drinks at the izakaya.
noun
entertainment with drinks; party piece
Only when written 肴
A performance, story, or conversation that enlivens a drinking party. Often used in the phrase 話の肴 (hanashi no sakana). Restricted to the 肴 kanji form.
彼の失敗談がいい肴になった。
His story about his blunder made a great conversation piece over drinks.
宴会で手品を肴に盛り上がった。
We had a great time at the party with magic tricks as entertainment.
Originally referred to food served with sake. The kanji 肴 combines 魚 (fish) and 有 (exist), reflecting its historical association with fish dishes. The extended meaning of 'entertainment' developed from the idea of something that enhances the drinking experience.