団子
dango[dã̠ŋɡo̞]
The Japanese word for dumpling is 団子 (dango).
団子 refers to a type of dumpling. While it is a noun, it does not change its form for pluralization.
Meaning: dumpling (noun)
Which one should you use?
While both are rice-based, 団子 typically refers to small, round dumplings often served on skewers, whereas 餅 (mochi) refers to the broader category of pounded rice cakes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
There are specific regional varieties of this food: キビ団子 (Kibi dango) is a specialty from Okayama Prefecture made from millet flour, and みたらし団子 (Mitarashi dango) originates from the Kansai region and is often skewered with a sweet soy glaze.
How do you pronounce it?
dango
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, 団子 plays a central role in the story of Momotarō, who receives special millet dumplings called キビ団子 that grant the eater the strength of a hundred men.
- During the autumn moon-viewing festival known as 十五夜 (jūgoya), it is a traditional custom to offer 団子 to the moon to pray for a bountiful harvest.
- Early records from the mid-1000s show that this type of confectionery may have been brought to Japan from China during the Tang Dynasty.
Examples in context
- 私も、団子が大好きです。I also love Japanese dango.This sentence is useful for expressing a love for Japanese dango.Tatoeba #12041994 by small_snow, translation #13694742 by terrywallwork
- お団子はお持ちですか？Do you have some dango?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has some dango.Tatoeba #1771896 by mookeee, translation #1771912 by Scott
- いいえ、お団子はお餅ではありません。No, a dango is not a mochi.This sentence is useful for clarifying that dango is not the same as mochi.Tatoeba #1773227 by mookeee, translation #1773353 by Scott
- 彼女はお団子が大好きです。She loves dango.
- 友達と公園で団子を食べました。I ate dango with my friends at the park.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking past a traditional Japanese snack stall.
- 健太 Kentaあの団子、美味しそうですね。Ano dango, oishisou desu ne.Those dumplings look delicious.
- 陽葵 Himari本当ですね。買って帰りませんか？Hontou desu ne. Katte kaerimasen ka?They really do. Shall we buy some to take home?
- 健太 Kentaいいですね、行きましょう！Ii desu ne, ikimashou!That sounds good, let's go!
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんは、甘いものは好きですか？Kenta-san wa, amai mono wa suki desu ka?Kenta, do you like sweet things?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dango” translations and entries 団子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 団子, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
