料理
ryōri[ɾʲo̞ːɾʲi]
The English phrase "culinary arts" is translated into Japanese as 料理 (ryōri).
The word 料理 refers to cooking or cuisine. While the English term "culinary arts" can sound academic or professional, 料理 is used broadly to cover everything from everyday home cooking to professional culinary arts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 料理 consists of the kanji 料 (ingredients/fee) and 理 (reason/logic/management), which literally implies the management or handling of ingredients.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [ryōri, reuri].
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the term 料理 can also refer to 'arrangements' or 'handling' in a non-culinary context, such as 'handling' a difficult situation or 'arranging' a formal schedule.
- The concept of 料理 in Japan is deeply tied to 旬 (shun), the idea of using ingredients only at their absolute peak of seasonality.
- In a professional kitchen, a chef is often called a 料理人 (ryōrijin), but the word 人 (jin/person) is sometimes replaced by 師 (shi), as in 料理師 (ryōrishi), to denote a highly skilled master or practitioner of the craft.
Examples in context
- 料理を習いたいです。Ryouri o naraitai desu.I want to learn culinary arts.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about their future careers.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんは将来、何をしたいですか？Yui-san wa shōrai, nani o shitai desu ka?Yui, what do you want to do in the future?
- 結衣 Yui私は料理の道に進みたいと思っています。Watashi wa ryōri no michi ni susumitai to omotte imasu.I want to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
- 健太 Kentaそれはすごいですね！応援しますよ。Sore wa sugoi desu ne! Ōen shimasu yo.That's amazing! I'll root for you.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます、健太さん。Arigatō gozaimasu, Kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 料理, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
