ベリー
berī
The English phrase "berry" can be translated into Japanese in several ways, most commonly as ベリー (berī). Wiktionary also lists 漿果 (shōka) and 木の実 (ki no mi).
Meaning: small succulent fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ベリー | berī | |
| 漿果 | shōka | |
| 木の実 | ki no mi | [kʲino̞mʲi] (narrow) [ko̞no̞mʲi] (narrow) |
| 果実 | kajitsu | [ka̠ʑit͡sɨ] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different terms for berries depending on whether you are speaking scientifically, cooking or talking about nature. The phrase ベリー系 is often used to describe things that are berry-flavored or berry-like, such as desserts or scents.
Which one should you use?
The katakana form ベリー is used primarily for Western-style berries or in culinary contexts like 'blueberry' (ブルーベリー). In contrast, 漿果 is the strict botanical term for a berry and is rarely used in daily conversation. 木の実 is a common, non-technical way to refer to small fruits or berries growing on trees, often used when the specific type is unknown.
How do you pronounce it?
berī
Did you know?
- While ベリー describes Western fruits, the Japanese word for strawberry, いちご, is almost never categorized as a 'berry' in common speech, despite being the most popular one.
- The phrase 木の実 literally translates to 'tree's nut or fruit', meaning it can refer to berries and nuts interchangeably.
- In Japan, the term ベリー is frequently used in the names of cosmetics and perfumes to evoke a sense of 'cuteness' or 'sweetness' rather than just a scent.
Examples in context
- このベリーはとても甘いです。Kono beri wa totemo amai desu.This berry is very sweet.
- ベリーをたくさん使いました。Beri o takusan tsukaimashita.I used a lot of berries.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are eating dessert at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiこのベリーのタルト、美味しいね。Kono berī no taruto, oishii ne.This berry tart is delicious, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。ベリーがたっぷり乗っているね。Hontō da. Berī ga tappuri notte iru ne.You're right. It's topped with plenty of berries.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くんも一口食べる？Hiroto-kun mo hitokuchi taberu?Do you want a bite too, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。ぜひいただくよ。Arigatō. Zehi itadaku yo.Thanks. I'll gladly have some.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “berry” translations and entries ベリー, 漿果, 木の実, 果実, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
