When it comes to discussing food and flavors, it’s always interesting to explore how different cultures and languages express various ingredients. If you’re a fan of spicy food and want to know how to say “chilli” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this term, as well as any regional variations that may exist. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Chilli” in Japanese
If you find yourself in a formal setting or conversing with someone you hold in high regard, it’s essential to know the appropriate way to refer to “chilli” in Japanese. The formal term commonly used is “tōgarashi” (とうがらし), written in hiragana as とうがらし.
Examples:
Watashi wa tōgarashi ga suki desu. (私はとうがらし好きです。)
I like chilli.Kare wa tōgarashi o kuwashiku tsukatteimasu. (彼はとうがらしをくわしく使っています。)
He uses chilli extensively.
Informal and Colloquial Ways to Say “Chilli” in Japanese
If you’re among friends or in a casual setting, you might want to use a more familiar term for “chilli.” The informal term most commonly used is “piiman” (ピーマン), which originally refers to green bell peppers. However, in the context of spicy food, it is often used interchangeably to mean “chilli.”
Examples:
Kyō no raamen wa piiman ga takusan hairi-mashita. (今日のラーメンはピーマンがたくさん入りました。)
Today’s ramen had a lot of chilli in it.Piiman o kudasai! (ピーマンをください！)
Please give me some chilli!
Regional Variations of “Chilli” in Japanese
While the above terms are widely understood and used throughout Japan, it’s important to note that regional variations exist based on dialects and local preferences. Let’s explore a couple of these regional variations:
Kyushu Region (Southern Japan)
In the Kyushu region, which is known for its love of spicy and flavorful cuisine, the term “辛子” (からし, karashi) is often used to refer to “chilli.” However, keep in mind that “karashi” generally refers to Japanese mustard as well. Therefore, the context is crucial in understanding whether “karashi” means “chilli” or “mustard.”
Examples:
Watashi wa karashi yori tōgarashi no hō ga suki desu. (私は辛子より唐辛子の方が好きです。)
I prefer chilli over karashi.Ashita no asa, karashi o ramen ni irete kudasai. (明日の朝、からしをラーメンに入れてください。)
Please put karashi in the ramen tomorrow morning.
Northern Tohoku Region
In the northern Tohoku region, specifically in Aomori prefecture, the term “いとからし” (itokarashi) is commonly used to refer to “chilli.” This regional variation showcases how language can differ even within the same country.
Examples:
Itokarashi ga suki nano? (いとからしが好きなの？)
Do you like chilli?Itokarashi omen no oioi to ireru to oishii desu yo. (いとからしオーメンの大おおいと入れるとおいしいですよ。)
It tastes delicious when you put a lot of itokarashi in omen.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for the formal term for “chilli” or want to know the informal and colloquial ways to express it among friends, this guide has covered several options. Remember, the term “tōgarashi” is the formal way to refer to “chilli” in Japanese, while “piiman” is a more casual and commonly used term. Additionally, keep in mind the regional variations, such as “karashi” in the Kyushu region and “itokarashi” in Aomori prefecture. Now that you’re equipped with these terms, you can confidently discuss your love for spicy food in Japanese!
