鰹節
katsuobushi
The English phrase "bonito flakes" is translated into Japanese as 鰹節 (katsuobushi).
Which one should you use?
While 鰹節 refers to the dried block itself, the term 削り節 (kezuribushi) is often used specifically to refer to the thin shavings produced from it.
How do you pronounce it?
katsuobushi
Did you know?
- When katsuobushi is placed on hot food, the heat causes the thin shavings to curl and move, which can look like the fish is dancing.
- Making high-quality 鰹節 is a centuries-old craft where the tuna blocks are actually inoculated with a specific type of mold to develop their flavor.
- The word 節 in 鰹節 originally referred to a 'knot' or 'joint' in wood, which is why the term is used for these hard, dried blocks of fish.
Examples in context
- 鰹節のいい香りがします。katsuo bushi no ii kaori ga shimasu.The bonito flakes smell wonderful.
- 料理に鰹節を入れました。ryouri ni katsuo bushi o iremashita.I added bonito flakes to the dish.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are cooking together in their kitchen.
- 美咲 Misaki鰹節はどこにある？katsuo bushi wa doko ni aru?Where are the bonito flakes?
- 健太 Kenta棚の上にありますよ。tana no ue ni arimasu yo.They are on the shelf.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、見つけた！a, mitsuketa!Ah, I found them!
- 健太 Kentaこれを使って出汁を取ろう。kore o tsukatte dashi o torou.Let's use them to make dashi.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 鰹節, CC BY-SA 4.0.
