餃子
gyōza[ɡʲo̞ːza̠]
The English phrase "potsticker" is translated into Japanese as 餃子 (gyōza).
餃子 refers to a dumpling filled with meat and vegetables. While the word can describe the dumpling itself, in Japan it is most commonly used to refer to the specific dish of pan-fried dumplings.
Which one should you use?
While 餃子 is the general term, you can use 焼き餃子 (yaki gyōza) to specifically specify the pan-fried version as opposed to boiled dumplings. The term 焼きギョーザ (yaki-gyōza) is also used to refer to pan-fried potstickers.
How do you pronounce it?
gyōza
Did you know?
- In Japan, 餃子 are frequently served as a side dish or snack to accompany beer, rather than being the main course of a meal as they often are in China.
- The word 餃子 only appeared in Japanese print in 1955, reflecting how relatively new the food is to the Japanese diet.
- While 餃子 are Chinese in origin, Japan has developed its own regional varieties, such as those from Utsunomiya and Hamamatsu, which are considered the two most famous 'dumpling cities' in the country.
Examples in context
- Watashi wa gyōza o tabetai desu. (私はギョーザを食べたいです。)I want to eat potstickers.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Yui are looking at a restaurant menu.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、何を注文しますか？Yui, nani o chūmon shimasu ka?Yui, what will you order?
- 結衣 Yui私は餃子が食べたいです。Watashi wa gyōza ga tabetai desu.I want to eat potstickers.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいですね。僕もそれにします。Ii desu ne. Boku mo sore ni shimasu.That sounds good. I'll have those too.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くんとシェアしましょう。Hiroto-kun to shea shimashō.Let's share them, Hiroto.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 餃子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 餃子, CC BY-SA 4.0.
