パクチー
pakuchī[pa̠kɯ̟t͡ɕiː]
The English word cilantro is translated into Japanese as パクチー (pakuchī). Wiktionary also lists 香菜 (kōsai).
Meaning: leaves of the coriander plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| パクチー | pakuchī | [pa̠kɯ̟t͡ɕiː] (narrow) |
| 香菜 | kōsai | [ɕã̠nt͡sa̠i] (narrow) [ko̞ːsa̠i] (narrow) |
The word refers to the leaves of the coriander plant. Because パクチー is a loanword from Thai, it is the standard term used in Southeast Asian cuisine restaurants in Japan.
Which one should you use?
パクチー is the common term used in everyday conversation and on restaurant menus, while 香菜 is another way to refer to the plant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
パクチー is considered the colloquial term and is the most common way to refer to cilantro in everyday conversation and on restaurant menus.
How do you pronounce it?
pakuchī
Did you know?
- Despite the availability of パクチー, traditional Japanese cuisine uses 'mitsuba' (Japanese parsley) to provide a similar green, aromatic garnish.
- While パクチー is used for the herb, the Japanese word for the seeds, coriander, is コリアンダー, which is a direct loanword from English.
- Japanese people often describe the taste of パクチー as 'soap' or 'medicine', reflecting a genetic trait shared by some English speakers.
Examples in context
- これはパクチーが入っていますか？Does this contain cilantro?
- パクチーは苦手です。pakuchii wa nigate desu.I am not good with cilantro.
- パクチーをたくさん入れてください。pakuchii o takusan irete kudasai.Please put a lot of cilantro in.
- この料理にはパクチーが入っています。kono ryouri ni wa pakuchii ga haitte imasu.This dish contains cilantro.
Example conversation
A couple is ordering Thai food at a restaurant.
- 陽太 Yotaパクチーは好きですか？pakuchii wa suki desu ka?Do you like cilantro?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、大好きです！hai, daisuki desu!Yes, I love it!
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、パクチーを追加しましょう。jaa, pakuchii o tsuika shimashou.Then, let's add extra cilantro.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね、楽しみです。ii desu ne, tanoshimi desu.That sounds good, I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cilantro” translations and entries パクチー, 香菜, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
