炭水化物
tansuikabutsu[tã̠ɰ̃sɨika̠bɯ̟t͡sɨ]
The English word "carbohydrate" is translated into Japanese as 炭水化物 (tansuikabutsu). Wiktionary also lists 含水炭素 (gansuitanso).
Meaning: organic compounds such as sugar, starch or cellulose (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 炭水化物 | tansuikabutsu | [tã̠ɰ̃sɨika̠bɯ̟t͡sɨ] (narrow) | |
| 含水炭素 | gansuitanso | obsolete |
炭水化物 refers to organic compounds such as sugar, starch or cellulose. In the context of nutrition labels and dieting in Japan, the term 糖質 is much more commonly used than 炭水化物 to refer to the digestible carbohydrates (sugars and starches) one might track.
Which one should you use?
While 炭水化物 refers to all carbohydrates (including fiber), 糖質 specifically refers to the portion of carbohydrates that the body digests into sugar.
How do you pronounce it?
tansuikabutsu
Did you know?
- The word 炭水化物 is a literal construction that means 'hydrated carbon thing'.
- In Japanese health trends, the term 糖質制限 (toushitsu seigen) refers to a 'sugar-quality restriction' diet. This is the local term for what English speakers call a 'low-carb' or 'keto' diet.
- The kanji 炭 (tan) used in 炭水化物 is the same character used for 'charcoal'. This stems from the historical observation that carbonizing organic matter produces charcoal.
Examples in context
- 私の研究は炭水化物の代謝（たんすいかぶつのたいしゃ）に関するものです。My research focuses on carbohydrate metabolism.
- 糖質制限（とうしつせいげん）はダイエットに役立ちます。Carbohydrate restriction is helpful for dieting.
- この食品には炭水化物が多く含まれています。Kono shokuhin ni wa tansui-kabutsu ga ooku fukumarete imasu.This food contains a lot of carbohydrates.
- 炭水化物を控えるようにしています。Tansui-kabutsu o hikaeru you ni shite imasu.I am trying to cut back on carbohydrates.
- 炭水化物は体にとって重要なエネルギー源です。Tansui-kabutsu wa karada ni totte juuyou na enerugii-gen desu.Carbohydrates are an important energy source for the body.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing their dietary habits at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんは最近、炭水化物を控えていますか？Yui-san wa saikin, tansui-kabutsu o hikaete imasu ka?Yui, are you cutting back on carbohydrates lately?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、ダイエットのために炭水化物を減らしています。Hai, daietto no tame ni tansui-kabutsu o herashite imasu.Yes, I am reducing carbohydrates for my diet.
- 蓮 Ren無理はしないでくださいね。Muri wa shinai de kudasai ne.Please don't overdo it.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます、蓮さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Ren-san.Thank you, Ren.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “carbohydrate” translations and entries 炭水化物, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
