アイスクリーム
aisukurīmu[a̠isɨ̥ kɯ̟ɾʲiːmɯ̟]
In Japanese, ice cream is expressed as アイスクリーム (aisukurīmu). Wiktionary also lists アイス (aisu) and 氷菓子 (kōrigashi).
Meaning: dessert (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| アイスクリーム | aisukurīmu | [a̠isɨ̥ kɯ̟ɾʲiːmɯ̟] (narrow) |
| アイス | aisu | [a̠isɨ] (narrow) |
| 氷菓子 | kōrigashi | [ko̞ːɾʲiɡa̠ɕi] (narrow) |
The term refers to the dessert known as ice cream.
Which one should you use?
アイスクリーム is the full loanword, but the shortened form アイス is much more frequently used in casual speech. 氷菓子 is a different term used to refer to frozen confections or ice candy in a more technical sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
アイス is a colloquial and informal way to say ice cream, making it the most common way to express the word in daily conversation. In contrast, 氷菓子 is a formal or technical term used in industry or legal contexts rather than in casual talk.
How do you pronounce it?
aisukurīmu
Did you know?
- Japanese convenience stores often categorize frozen desserts by whether they are アイスクリーム or ラクトアイス based on strict milk fat content laws.
- In Japan, the word アイス can refer to both ice cream and popsicles, whereas English speakers distinguish between the two.
- The word アイス is so versatile that it is frequently used as a prefix for other cold treats, such as アイスコーヒー for iced coffee.
Examples in context
- アイス食べる？Do you want some ice cream?This sentence shows how to use アイス to ask if someone wants ice cream.Tatoeba #3699447 by tommy_san, translation #3424156 by CK
- アイス食べたい。I want to eat ice cream.This sentence shows how to use アイス to express a desire to eat ice cream.Tatoeba #2654861 by tommy_san, translation #1370839 by TuckingFypo
- アイスが欲しい。I want ice cream.This sentence shows how to use アイス to express wanting ice cream.Tatoeba #8962649 by bunbuku, translation #2422751 by CM
- 129 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are at a dessert shop.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、何を注文する？Ren-kun, nani o chūmon suru?Ren, what are you going to order?
- 蓮 Ren僕はアイスクリームにするよ。Boku wa aisukurīmu ni suru yo.I'll have the ice cream.
- 結衣 Yuiいいな。私も同じのにする！Ii na. Watashi mo onaji no ni suru!Lucky. I'll have the same thing!
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、一緒に頼もうか。Jā, issho ni tanomō ka.Then, shall we order together?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ice cream” translations and entries アイスクリーム, アイス, 氷菓子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
