粟
awa
The Japanese word for millet is 粟 (awa).
粟 refers to any of a group of various types of grass or its grains that are used as food.
Meaning: any of a group of various types of grass or its grains used as food (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
awa
Did you know?
- Before the widespread cultivation of rice, 粟 and other millets were the primary staple grains for many people across the Japanese archipelago.
- In some rural regions of Japan, 粟 was historically used as a measure of wealth or a tribute paid to local lords before the rice economy dominated.
- The pronunciation of 粟 (awa) can sometimes be confused with the word for 'foam' or 'bubbles', which is also pronounced 泡 (awa).
Examples in context
- 米と同じく、きびも健康食品として知られています。Just like rice, millet is also known as a healthy food.
- おすすめのサラダにはハトムギが入っています。The recommended salad includes millet.
- 粟は栄養が豊富です。awa wa eiyou ga houfu desu.Millet is rich in nutrients.
- 昔の人は粟を食べていました。mukashi no hito wa awa o tabete imashita.People in the past used to eat millet.
- 粟を使った料理を作ります。awa o tsukatta ryouri o tsukurimasu.I will make a dish using millet.
Example conversation
At a traditional Japanese restaurant, a man and a woman are looking at the menu.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの粟を使ったお粥は美味しいですか？kono awa o tsukatta okayu wa oishii desu ka?Is this millet porridge delicious?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても健康的ですよ。hai, totemo kenkou-teki desu yo.Yes, it is very healthy.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さん、それを注文しましょう。himari-san, sore o chuumon shimashou.Himari, let's order that.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね、大翔さん。ii desu ne, hiroto-san.That sounds good, Hiroto.
