芥子
karashi[ka̠ɾa̠ɕi]
Mustard in Japanese can be expressed as 芥子 (karashi) or マスタード.
Meaning: condiment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 芥子 | karashi | [ka̠ɾa̠ɕi] (narrow) [ka̠iɕi] (narrow) |
| マスタード | masutādo | [ma̠sɨ̥ta̠ːdo̞] (narrow) |
The term refers to the condiment.
Which one should you use?
芥子 (karashi) typically refers to traditional Japanese hot mustard, such as the spicy yellow paste often served with sashimi or cuisine. In contrast, マスタード (masutādo) is the standard loanword used for Western-style condiments found in supermarkets or fast-food restaurants. You may also frequently see the word written phonetically in katakana as カラシ on menus and packaging.
How do you pronounce it?
karashi
Did you know?
- When first recorded in Japanese in the early 800s, the term 芥子 referred to the tiny seeds of both the mustard plant and the poppy plant.
Examples in context
- マスタードは少なめにお願いします。Easy on the mustard.This sentence is useful for requesting a small amount of マスタード.Tatoeba #195630 by small_snow, translation #32804 by Dejo
- トーストが出てくると、彼はマスタード、マヨネーズ、ケチャップを掛けた。When the toast popped up, he put mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup on one slice.This sentence shows someone applying マスタード, mayonnaise and ketchup to toast.Tatoeba #10248723 by Sim5634, translation #9192969 by DJ_Saidez
- ハンバーグにマスタードをお願いします。Mustard for the hamburger, please.
- このホットドッグには辛いマスタードがピッタリです。This hot dog is perfect with strong mustard.
- ここは京都なので、お蕎麦には芥子を入れるのが一般的です。Since this is Kyoto, it is common to put mustard in soba.
- 東京では、洋食にマスタードがよく使われます。In Tokyo, mustard is often used in Western-style food.
- この料理には芥子が必要です。Kono ryōri ni wa karashi ga hitsuyō desu.This dish needs mustard.
Example conversation
Hina and Ren are eating hot dogs together.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮、芥子を付けてもいい？Ren, keshi o tsukete mo ii?Ren, can I use some mustard?
- 蓮 Renうん、どうぞ。ここにあるよ。Un, dōzo. Koko ni aru yo.Yeah, go ahead. It's right here.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。芥子が大好きだもん。Arigatō. Keshi ga daisuki da mon.Thanks. I just love mustard.
- 蓮 Renかけすぎないようにね。Kakesuginai yō ni ne.Don't put too much on it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mustard” translations and entries 芥子, マスタード, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries マスタード, 芥子, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
