キャラメル
kyarameru[kʲa̠ɾa̠me̞ɾɯ̟]
The English word "caramel" can be translated into Japanese as either キャラメル (kyarameru) or カラメル.
Meaning: confection (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| キャラメル | kyarameru | [kʲa̠ɾa̠me̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| カラメル | karameru | [ka̠ɾa̠me̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The word refers to caramel-flavored items or confectionery.
Which one should you use?
キャラメル is the common, standard term used for the actual candy or confectionery. In contrast, カラメル is used in a culinary context to refer to caramelized sugar or the process of caramelization, such as when making sauces or flavoring coffee.
How do you pronounce it?
kyarameru
Did you know?
- The word カラメル was borrowed directly from the French word 'caramel' rather than the English version.
- In Japan, キャラメル is often associated with a specific nostalgia for the early 20th century when the candy first became a popular Western import.
- If you use the term カラメル to describe a small candy, a Japanese person might think you are referring to a raw chemical or an industrial cooking agent.
Examples in context
- キャラメルアイス食べてもいい？Can I have some caramel ice cream?This sentence is useful for asking permission to eat caramel ice cream using キャラメル.Tatoeba #11903802 by small_snow, translation #6044821 by alvinsbored
- 誰か、キャラメルマカロンの作り方教えてくれない？Who can give me a recipe for caramel macarons?This sentence is useful for asking for a recipe for caramel macarons using キャラメル.Tatoeba #11582503 by small_snow, translation #10782386 by sundown
- ここの映画館のポップコーンはなぜかキャラメル味がない。For some reason, this movie theater doesn't serve caramel popcorn.This sentence is useful for mentioning the absence of caramel flavor in popcorn using キャラメル.Tatoeba #9573212 by Sim5634, translation #11149332 by DJ_Saidez
- あのレストランのデザートにはキャラメルが入っています。The dessert at that restaurant contains caramel.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are looking at candy in a shop.
- 蓮 Renこのキャラメル、すごく美味しそうだよ。Kono kyarameru, sugoku oishisou da yo.This caramel looks delicious.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。私も一つ買いたいな。Hontou da ne. Watashi mo hitotsu kaitai na.It really does. I want to buy one too.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、二人分買っていこうか？Jaa, futaribun katte ikou ka?Then, shall we buy two portions?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ありがとう！Un, arigatou!Yes, thank you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “caramel” translations and entries キャラメル, カラメル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries カラメル, キャラメル, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
