ドーナツ
dōnatsu[do̞ːna̠t͡sɨ]
The English phrase doughnut is translated into Japanese as ドーナツ (dōnatsu). Wiktionary also lists ドーナッツ (dōnattsu).
Meaning: deep-fried piece of dough or batter (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ドーナツ | dōnatsu | [do̞ːna̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| ドーナッツ | dōnattsu |
The word refers to a deep-fried piece of dough or batter.
Which one should you use?
ドーナツ is the more common form used in everyday speech and writing compared to ドーナッツ.
How do you pronounce it?
dōnatsu
Did you know?
- In Japan, the 'doughnut phenomenon' refers to the trend of people moving from central Tokyo to the suburbs, leaving the city center empty like the hole in a ドーナツ.
- In some traditional Japanese confectionery shops, doughnuts are reimagined using もち or mochi rice flour to create a chewier texture than Western versions.
- Japan has a unique culture of 'limited edition' seasonal ドーナツ, where flavors like sakura or matcha are sold only for a few weeks a year.
Examples in context
- ヨーロッパの主要都市の多くはドーナツ化現象に悩まされている。Many of Europe's metropolises are plagued by the doughnut phenomenon.This sentence is useful for seeing how ドーナツ is used in the expression for the doughnut phenomenon.Tatoeba #192851 by KK_kaku_, translation #30017 by garynw
- このドーナツはとても甘いです。Kono dōnatsu wa totemo amai desu.This doughnut is very sweet.
- コーヒーと一緒にドーナツを食べたいです。Kōhī to issho ni dōnatsu o tabetai desu.I want to eat a doughnut with coffee.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、ドーナツを食べる？Himari, dōnatsu o taberu?Himari, do you want to eat a doughnut?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ぜひ食べたい！Un, zehi tabetai!Yes, I'd love to!
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、チョコのドーナツにしようか。Jā, choko no dōnatsu ni shiyō ka.Then, shall we get a chocolate doughnut?
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。お願いします。Ii desu ne. Onegai shimasu.That sounds good. Please do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doughnut” translations and entries ドーナツ, ドーナッツ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
