和食
washoku
The English phrase "japanese food" is translated into Japanese as 和食 (washoku).
和食 is a general term for traditional Japanese cuisine. It is often used when discussing specific culinary heritage or the nutritional balance characteristic of Japanese meals. While 和食 is a standard term, you can also use りょうり (cooking/cuisine) to refer to Japanese food or more specific terms like すし (sushi) for certain dishes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 和食 consists of two parts: the kanji 和, meaning 'Japanese style' and 食, meaning 'food' or 'meal'.
How do you pronounce it?
washoku
Did you know?
- In 2013, 和食 was officially added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This recognition was based on the social practice and the seasonal awareness expressed through the meals rather than just the recipes themselves.
- The traditional structure of 和食 follows the 一汁三菜 (ichijū sansai) rule, which mandates one soup and three side dishes alongside rice.
- In Japan, the word 和食 is often contrasted with 洋食 (yōshoku). While 洋食 translates to 'Western food', it specifically refers to Western dishes that were modified to suit Japanese tastes, such as omurice.
Examples in context
- 和食が好きです。I like Japanese food.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for 和食.Tatoeba #9360079 by small_snow, translation #259836 by CK
- 私は和食で育った。I grew up eating Japanese food.This sentence is useful for describing one's upbringing involving 和食.Tatoeba #2298199 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #953459 by CK
- 和食を食べたのって、これが初めて？Is this the first time you've tried Japanese food?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is trying 和食 for the first time.Tatoeba #9735088 by small_snow, translation #9726379 by AlanF_US
- Nihon no tabemono wa oishii desu. (日本の食べ物は美味しいです)Japanese food is delicious.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 蓮 Ren今夜は和食にしませんか？Konya wa washoku ni shimasen ka?Shall we have Japanese food tonight?
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。和食なら何が食べたいですか？Ii desu ne. Washoku nara nani ga tabetai desu ka?That sounds good. What Japanese food do you want to eat?
- 蓮 Renお寿司か天ぷらがいいです。Osushi ka tempura ga ii desu.Sushi or tempura would be good.
- 陽葵 Himari私もそれに賛成です。Watashi mo sore ni sansei desu.I agree with that too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
