ichidan verb
can drink; able to drink
Potential form of 飲む, expressing ability or possibility to drink. Often used when discussing whether something is drinkable or one has the capacity to drink.
この水は飲めますか。
Is this water drinkable?
彼はお酒が飲めない。
He can't drink alcohol.
ichidan verb
worth drinking; good enough to drink
Evaluative use: the drink is of acceptable quality or taste. Often used in negative or questioning contexts to express doubt about palatability.
このコーヒー、冷めててあまり飲めないね。
This coffee has gone cold and isn't really worth drinking, is it?