ピクルス
pikurusu
The Japanese word for pickles is ピクルス (pikurusu).
ピクルス refers to vegetables that have been preserved in vinegar or brine. This term specifically denotes Western-style pickled vegetables, which are typically prepared with vinegar and herbs.
Which one should you use?
Use ピクルス when referring to Western-style pickled vegetables, typically made with vinegar and herbs, rather than traditional Japanese pickles.
How do you pronounce it?
pikurusu
Did you know?
- Some regions of Japan have such specialized varieties of tsukemono that they are protected as local cultural assets.
- In Japan, tsukemono are often served as a palate cleanser between different dishes rather than as a side topping inside a sandwich.
- Traditional Japanese pickles often use nuka, a fermented rice bran, which creates a completely different flavor profile than the vinegar used in ピクルス.
Examples in context
- 冷蔵庫にピクルスの入った瓶がある。There's a jar of pickles in the fridge.This sentence shows how to mention a jar of ピクルス in the refrigerator.Tatoeba #13028916 by small_snow, translation #10743298 by ddnktr
- ポテトとピクルス入りのピザを注文しました。We ordered a pizza with potatoes and pickles.This sentence demonstrates using ピクルス as an ingredient in a pizza order.Tatoeba #10175909 by small_snow, translation #10172694 by AlanF_US
- このレストランのピクルスはとてもおいしいですね。( Kono resutoran no pikurusu wa totemo oishii desu ne. )The pickles at this restaurant are very delicious, aren't they?
- このピクルスは少し酸っぱいですね。Kono pikurusu wa sukoshi suppai desu ne.These pickles are a little sour, aren't they?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is eating lunch at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、このピクルス食べる？Youta, kono pikurusu taberu?Youta, do you want to eat these pickles?
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、いただきます。Arigatou, itadakimasu.Thanks, I'll have some.
- 陽葵 Himari美味しい？Oishii?Are they good?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、すごく美味しいよ。Un, sugoku oishii yo.Yeah, they're really delicious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ピクルス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
