ミニトマト
mini tomato
The English phrase "cherry tomato" is translated into Japanese as ミニトマト (mini tomato).
The term refers to a small, round variety of tomato that is often eaten raw. While 'cherry tomato' is understood, the standard term used in Japan for this fruit is ミニトマト.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a loanword from English, combining the katakana for "mini" and "tomato".
How do you pronounce it?
mini tomato
Did you know?
- In some specialized fruit markets, you might see them labeled as プチトマト (puchi tomato), using 'petit' to emphasize their tiny, cute stature.
- While ミニトマト is the standard term, some high-end Japanese producers use the word 宝石 meaning 'jewel' to describe the size and brilliance of premium cherry tomatoes.
- Because they are so small and sweet, ミニトマト are frequently used in Japanese bento boxes as a colorful, 'cute' decoration to make the meal more visually appealing.
Examples in context
- ミニトマトをたくさん買いました。Minitomato o takusan kaimashita.I bought a lot of cherry tomatoes.
- ミニトマトは甘くて美味しいです。Minitomato wa amakute oishii desu.Cherry tomatoes are sweet and delicious.
- サラダにミニトマトを入れます。Sarada ni minitomato o iremasu.I will put cherry tomatoes in the salad.
Example conversation
At a supermarket, Misaki and Ren are looking at vegetables.
- 美咲 Misakiこのミニトマト、新鮮そうですね。Kono minitomato, shinsen sou desu ne.These cherry tomatoes look fresh, don't they?
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。とても美味しそうだよ。Hontou da. Totemo oishisou da yo.You're right. They look very delicious.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君、これ買っておきましょうか？Ren-kun, kore katte okimashou ka?Ren, shall we buy these?
- 蓮 Renうん、お願いします。Un, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
