餃子
gyōza[ɡʲo̞ːza̠]
The English phrase "gyoza" is translated into Japanese as 餃子 (gyōza).
餃子 refers to a Japanese crescent-shaped dumpling of Chinese origin. In Japanese, the word is used for both the singular and plural forms.
Meaning: A Japanese crescent-shaped dumpling of Chinese origin (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 餃子 is the general term for the dumpling, there are specific names based on the cooking method: 焼き餃子 (yaki gyōza) refers to the most common style of pan-fried gyoza and 水餃子 (sui gyōza) refers to boiled gyoza.
How do you pronounce it?
gyōza
Did you know?
- Although it is a staple in modern Japan, the word 餃子 was virtually nonexistent in the Japanese language until it appeared in print around 1955.
- The term 餃子 likely traveled to Japan via Manchukuo, a Japanese-controlled state in Northeast China, during the mid-20th century.
- There is a regional variety called 宇都宮餃子 (Utsunomiya gyoza) from Tochigi Prefecture that is so famous the city is known as the gyoza capital of Japan.
Examples in context
- 今日の夕食は餃子です。Kyō no yūshoku wa gyōza desu.Today's dinner is gyoza.
- この餃子はとても美味しいです。Kono gyōza wa totemo oishii desu.This gyoza is very delicious.
- スーパーで餃子を買いました。Sūpā de gyōza o kaimashita.I bought gyoza at the supermarket.
Example conversation
A couple deciding what to cook for dinner at home.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日の晩ご飯、何にする？Kyō no bangohan, nani ni suru?What should we have for dinner today?
- 陽葵 Himari餃子が食べたい気分だな。Gyōza ga tabetai kibun da na.I am in the mood for gyoza.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ、じゃあ餃子にしよう。Ii yo, jaa gyōza ni shiyō.Okay, let's have gyoza then.
- 陽葵 Himariやった！楽しみ。Yatta! Tanoshimi.Yay! I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gyoza” translations and entries 餃子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 餃子, CC BY-SA 4.0.
