穀物
kokumotsu[ko̞kɯ̟mo̞t͡sɨ]
The English phrase grain is translated into Japanese as 穀物 (kokumotsu). Wiktionary also lists 穀類 (kokurui).
Meaning: harvested seeds of various grass-related food crops (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 穀物 | kokumotsu | [ko̞kɯ̟mo̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 穀類 | kokurui |
Both 穀物 and 穀類 are used to refer to harvested seeds of various grass-related food crops. Specifically, 穀物 refers to the substance of the grain itself, such as cereal or grain.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 穀物 is composed of 穀, meaning grain or cereal and 物, meaning thing or matter.
Which one should you use?
While 穀物 refers to the actual substance of grain, 穀類 is often used in nutritional or classification contexts to refer to 'types of grains' or 'grain-based products'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term for 'whole grains' is formed by combining 全粒 (whole grain or whole kernel) with 穀類 (grain types) to create 全粒穀類.
How do you pronounce it?
kokumotsu
Did you know?
- When talking about 'grain' in the sense of texture, such as the 'grain of wood', Japanese does not use 穀物 but instead uses the word 木目 (mokume).
- While 穀物 covers all grains, Japanese has a distinct category called 雑穀 (zakkoku), which refers specifically to 'miscellaneous grains' like millet and buckwheat that are not rice.
- Although 穀物 refers to grains, the word 粒 (tsubu), found in the phrase for whole grains 全粒, is used more broadly to describe any small, round object like a bead or a drop of water.
Examples in context
- 私たちはアメリカから穀物を輸入している。We import grain from the United States.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 穀物 in the context of importing.Tatoeba #166629 by bunbuku, translation #247873 by CK
- 米酢と穀物酢の使い分けをあまり気にしてなかった。I didn't really pay attention to the difference between rice and grain vinegar.This sentence shows how 穀物 is used when discussing different types of vinegar.Tatoeba #11004981 by KK_kaku_, translation #13670621 by justpeachy
- ビタミンＥを豊富に含む食物には、濃い緑色をした菜っ葉類・豆類・ナッツ類・全粒穀類がある。Foods rich in vitamin E include dark-green, leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and whole-grain cereals.This sentence demonstrates the use of 穀類 in a nutritional context.Tatoeba #197589 by wat, translation #34775 by CM
- ご飯は穀物の一種です。Rice is a type of grain.
- 日本の主食は米です。Rice is the staple food in Japan.
- 糧が足りなくなったら、買いに行こう。If we run out of grain, let's go buy some.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about healthy eating at lunch.
- 美咲 Misaki健康のために、もっと穀物を食べたいです。Kenkō no tame ni, motto kokumotsu o tabetai desu.I want to eat more grains for my health.
- 蓮 Ren玄米やオートミールが良いですよ。Genmai ya ōtomīru ga ii desu yo.Brown rice and oatmeal are good.
- 美咲 Misakiおすすめの穀物はありますか？Osusume no kokumotsu wa arimasu ka?Do you have any recommended grains?
- 蓮 Ren私はキヌアが気に入っています。Watashi wa kinua ga kiniitte imasu.I like quinoa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grain” translations and entries 穀物, 穀類, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
